Hunting Regulations Could Change, Exempting First-Time Violators from Serious Punishment

New bill introduced in State House

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By KTVA CBS 11 News
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Story Created: Feb 22, 2012 at 9:50 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Feb 22, 2012 at 9:57 PM AKDT

ALASKA - Thousands of Alaskans apply for their hunting permits and head out into the wild every year, but killing the wrong animal or hunting in the wrong place could potentially land you in serious trouble.

The current laws and regulations could change soon though.

Under House Bill 318, hunters would be exempt from first-time violations of Alaska hunting laws if they immediately report the infractions to wildlife troopers and turn over their kills.

Violators already get a break, according to troopers.

While serious violations could be punished by equipment seizures, steep fines and even jail time, troopers said most violations are "honest mistakes."

In those cases they say they'll usually downgrade the crimes from misdemeanor offenses to minor violations and in almost all of those cases troopers said offenders don't need any more incentive to report the kills.

The bill has been referred to the House Resources Committee, but so far hasn't been scheduled for a hearing.
 

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Raven33 said on Thursday, Feb 23 at 1:51 PM

This law change is needed. leaving it up to the discretion of the wildlife trooper gives the trooper too much power. An overzealous trooper is something we don't need for an honest mistake that we immediately report ourselves!

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Hunter said on Friday, Feb 24 at 7:51 AM

If you break the law you deserve punishment no matter how big or how small the crime. If you put in for hunting permits it is your responsibility to know the rules and regulations, if not then don't hunt.

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