Representative Eric Croft |
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE · February 13, 2006 |
JUNEAU - In an effort to increase the options available to wildlife enforcement officers, Rep. Eric Croft (D-Anchorage) introduced HB 464 in the House today.
The bill empowers officers to confiscate all horns and antlers if a hunter cannot prove he removed at least 50 percent of the edible meat from the field and either possesses it or signed it over in good condition to a local resident.
This penalty is in addition to all current wanton waste laws, which require full retention of the meat and prohibit possession of horns or antlers without the edible meat. However, these existing laws are criminal violations with a high standard of investigation and proof. A hunter can claim that the meat was taken by a bear, or was left too long in the field and spoiled.
"The reality on the ground is, there often isn't a smoking gun to cite someone for wanton waste," Croft said. "This gives an extra tool so a trooper or biologist can say 'that's too bad, but you understand I have to take your horns.'"
Croft was inspired to write this bill after a recent trip to Northwest Alaska. "I'm a lifelong, hunter and I'm much more interested in the meat. But I learned that many out-of-state hunters come mainly for a trophy for their wall. Last summer I was out with [Rep.] Reggie [Joule] (D-Kotzebue), and was shown photos of a group of hunters with five sets of horns and no meat. When asked, they said "a bear got it," and that was the end of the story. Once folks get their antlers confiscated a few times I believe there will be pressure on the guiding and transporting industries to make sure their clients take care of the meat, and don't shoot more than they can realistically remove from the field."
The bill has been assigned to the Resources committee where Croft hopes to have it heard as soon as possible. For additional information please call Rep. Croft's office at 465-4998. http://croft.akdemocrats.org.
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