Police bust of hunter shows wide-ranging issues on killing of deer

GHN News- Every state has its "bag" limit for deer hunting and rules about what to hunt, when and where.  A man's arrest in Oregon for hunting outside state limits shows hunters must know the rules that are somewhat different in every state.. 

An investigation by Oregon State Police (OSP) Fish & Wildlife Division troopers from the Albany and Salem offices led to the arrest last Friday of Adam Schreiber, age 28, from Alsea on multiple wildlife offenses related to the unlawful killing of two elk, including a 7 x 6 bull elk which if convicted could lead to a $15,000 civil fine under a new Oregon law that went into effect January 1, 2010.

According to Oregon State Police officer James Halsey, an investigation led to the arrest of Schreiber related to allegations he unlawfully killed a spike elk and a 7 x 6 bull elk September 1, 2010 on private property west of Alsea.  SCHREIBER was taken to the Benton County Jail, booked and then cited and released to appear at a future date in Benton County Circuit Court on the following charges:

* Exceeding Bag Limit – Elk

* Hunting on Another's Cultivated Enclosed Land

* Borrowing a Big Game Tag / Archery – Elk

* Unlawful Possession of a Big Game Part to wit: 5 x 5 Elk Antlers on Skull

Effective January 1st, Oregon Revised Statute 496.705 provides that the State Fish & Wildlife Commission may institute suit for the recovery of damages for the unlawful taking or killing of any wildlife that are the property of the state as referred to in the statute.  This includes $15,000 in damages for "each elk with at least six points on one antler" 

These specifics in Oregon law show how hunters need to stay abreast of state statutes during hunting season, as each state has its own set of rules.   

While Oregon has set specific guidelines some might think stricter than others, Alabama leads the pack  among the states where the most liberal laws are in place.  Experts tell us there are 1.75 animals available for hunting over an 108-day period, allowing hunters to take down both a buck and a doe every day in most areas around the state, in varying ways.  These include bows, crossbows, rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders and even a spear. 

In New Jersey and other states where there is an over-population of deer there has also been protest about the type of hunting that takes place and the areas involved.  Some believe bow hunting is not safe for the public and requires too much staff; others believe it is the most humane way to kill deer. 

“I think we all recognize that something has to be done to lower the deer population,” Keith Kazmark of Woodland Park city council told NorthJersey.com. “The bow hunt is the safest and most humane way to go about it.” 

On the other hand,  NorthJersey.com quotes another resident of the area,  Jim Ferro, who enjoys seeing deer roam around his area and wants to stop the bowhunt.  

“I’ll call President Obama if I have to,” Ferro said. “This is a very cruel thing to hurt animals. It’s really inhumane. They should tranquilize the deer first and then relocate them. But don’t kill them.”  

Hunting season has its detractors and its rules.  Oregon's arrest of Schreiber reveals that knowing the disputes, the issues and the laws is important for game hunters to avoid breaking the law or getting involved in a public debate.

A list of the regulations on deer hunting in each state is here.