New York Is Doubling Fine For Hunting Deer Out Of Season
Governor Cuomo signed a bill last week that will effectively double the minimum fine for deer poaching in New York. As it stands, the current fine is a $250 minimum and a $2000 maximum. With the new law, the minimum fine will be $500 and the maximum fine will be $3000. The law takes effect within 120 days of signing.
The bill is for poachers who hunt or kill a deer before or after hunting season, or those who attempt to kill a deer through the use of artificial light. In extreme cases, they could even face up to a year in prison.
The bill is an attempt to hold poachers more accountable. According to the bill's sponsors, many of them only receive a slap on the wrist. The bill was originally even harsher - if someone got more than one violation in five years, they would have been stripped of their hunting license. As it is, more than one violation increases the minimum fine to $750.
What do you think? Are you in favor of holding poachers to a higher standard?