Tougher penalties would apply to illegal taking of wildlife valued at $2,000 or more.
By Dennis Anderson Star Tribune
January 15, 2016 — 9:06pm
Frustrated by fish and game poachers who get a “slap on the wrist” for serious offenses, Gov. Mark Dayton on Friday proposed that some wildlife crimes be prosecuted as felonies.
“The recently reported instances of wanton and wasteful poaching in Minnesota should offend the sensibilities of all ethical and law-abiding hunters and anglers,” Dayton said at the annual Department of Natural Resources stakeholders meeting in Brooklyn Center.
Dayton made a similar proposal last year to the Legislature, including revocation of hunting and fishing licenses for some offenses for up to 10 years, but the initiative was rebuffed. Continue reading