Serial poacher sentenced

I recall the story vaguely, and had to look it up again. The final sentencing is way too light.

From the Field & Stream article: If found guilty, Smith will be looking at five years in prison and a $10,000 fine for each of his two felony charges. The felonies stem from allegations of “first-degree unlawful take of big game”, the AG said in the recent press release.

Man Busted After Bragging About Alleged Poaching on Instagram | Field & Stream
 
Prime example of an old rant of mine. Judges always campaign on a strict law and order platform. Then once crowned, are apparently so afraid that they might possibly be wrong, and/or overturned, hand out the lightest sentence imaginable. Some legal beagles disagree, but I’ll stand by my observation. Not saying they should always use the heaviest hammer possible (save that for the second offense), but I’d bet a soda this guy’s back at it sometime.
 
Unbelievable that he got away with only that. He will be out there doing it again very soon.
 
Really, just a slap on the wrist? Increase the penalties/fines, revoke and suspend all hunting and fishing licenses in all 50 states for life. More strict sentencing might help discourage this behavior and others from reoffending. It’s not like he only poached one game animal. It was 4 elk, 4 black bear and 5 black-tails!!!!!
 
You’re right, and a good question. Answer can only be a mandatory and instantaneous trip to the Big House, no ifs, ands or buts, and for significant time. And confiscation of all related equipment including vehicles/boats. Repeat offenders will repeat, unless they can’t.
 
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