Minnesota's small game hunting, trapping seasons underway (2005-09-20)

Minnesota has an abundance of small game animals including rabbits, hares, squirrels and foxes, as well as grouse and partridge. Migratory birds and waterfowl such as mourning doves, ducks, geese, mergansers, woodcock, snipe, rails, coots and gallinules are also included with this group. These animals, which are important parts of the forest, grassland and wetland ecosystems, are popular among wildlife watchers and are favorites with many hunters and trappers. Last year, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) sold more than 292,000 small game hunting and trapping licenses.

VIOLATIONS

While most abide by hunting and trapping laws, DNR conservation officers issued did 621 small game/trapping tickets or written warnings from July 1, 2004, through June 30, 2005. Small Game/ Trapping fines totaled $19,450.

Top 10 Small Game/Trapping Violations in Fiscal Year 2005

Offense Description *Top 10 Cases **Average Fine Total Fine

1. License not in possession 108, $70, $630

2. No blaze orange 80, $90, $540

3. Transport uncased/loaded firearm 66, $160, $6,720,

4. No license/permit 64, $110, $3,410

5. Closed season 28, $110, $750,

6. No waterfowl stamp 29, $120, $3,480

7. Misdemeanor trespass 27, $110, $1,100

8. Untagged traps fur 26, $100, $1,200

9. Unsigned state stamp 25, $80, $320

10. Failure to check/remove traps 24, $100, $1,300

* Includes tickets and warnings ** Includes fine and court costs

The DNR found fewer small game/trapping violations between in Fiscal Year 2005 (621) than Fiscal Year 2004 (719), according to said DNR Enforcement Chief Col. Mike Hamm.

"The reduction is due to a combination of factors: having more field stations filled in Fiscal Year 2005, awareness of stiffer penalties associated with the state's gross overlimits law enacted in 2003, and the continued success of the Turn In Poacher program," he said.

In 2004, Turn In Poachers received 1,118 poaching related calls and referred 1,006 of them to conservation officers. The tips resulted in 367 arrests and 64 cash rewards.

The most common small game violations varied little from previous years, according to the DNR. Citations for license not in possession remained the top violation each fiscal year. Transport uncased/loaded firearm, no blaze orange, and no license/permit violations were also among the most common each fiscal year. Untagged traps were the top trapping violation the past two fiscal years.

WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO?

Many people believe all the money collected through fines goes to the DNR's bottom line, but that is not the case.

"Unless there is specific language in statute directing a portion of the fine be remitted to a specific state fund, governmental unit, or other entity, the entire fine amount is retained by the county or court where the violation occurred," Hamm said.

Restitution may be ordered by the district court in addition to the fine and surcharges. Some types of restitution and their remittance are specified in statute, in a similar manner to fine amounts. The court may otherwise order restitution for damages or costs incurred and specify their receipt.

"Only half of game fines are deposited to the DNR's Game and Fish Fund," Hamm said. "It does not go directly to enforcement."

The entire restitution amount, which is in addition to fines and court surcharges, is also deposited in the Game and Fish Fund, and must be used for replacement, propagation or protection of wild animals, Hamm noted.

One percent of the $72 criminal court prosecution surcharges, regardless of the type of violation or charging agency, is deposited in the Game and Fish Fund to provide training for conservation officers.

TAKE A STAND

The DNR has made many good poaching cases because hunters and trappers use phones and cell phones to call in the violation, Hamm noted.

"Phone calls are a fantastic aid in reporting violations," Hamm said. "Many hunters and trappers will make the call as the violation is occurring. In some cases, our officers will meet the violator as they're coming out of the field."

Poaching activities to watch for include spotlighting, careless/unsafe acts, litter, unlicensed people and over bagging.

"We expect the legally licensed hunters and trappers as well as landowners to be our eyes and ears and to report the violations," Hamm said.

Hamm emphasizes that timeliness is the key to catching poachers. Observers should be sure to get as much information as possible and report it immediately. Things to remember are a physical description of the suspect; the vehicle make, color, model and year; and, if possible, the license plate number.

Hamm said many people use still, video and cell phone cameras to record the information. Other details include the time, type of game taken, location of evidence, location and directions to where the violation occurred, and a description of the location of the property, for example, "200 yards behind the red barn by the creek."

"Defend wildlife and the right of future generations to enjoy it," Hamm said.

Hunters can help stop poaching violations by calling the Turn In Poachers hotline, 1-800-652-9093.

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