Hunting violations said on the increase in county

An increase in the illegal practice of hunting from the road has been observed over the the past two years by Bob Weaver, Fish & Wildlife officer for Whitman County.

“In the last two years it’s really increased quite a bit,” Weaver said.

Weaver wants to get the word out to the public to report illegal hunting practices.

Since the hunting season began in October, Weaver has received 20 to 25 calls from landowners around the county reporting people trespassing on their land to hunt.

Weaver said he has received twice as many complaints this year compared to last year which also had a high incidence of reports.

In many instances, people are shooting at game from the road onto private property.

It is unlawful to carry a loaded hunting firearm in a vehicle and, if charged, can result in a $271 fine. It is unlawful to hunt big game or other types of game from a vehicle and that can result in a $550 fine.

Lastly, it is unlawful to trespass on private property. A citation for this carries a mandatory court appearance.

Weaver pointed out all three crimes are misdemeanors.

Weaver patrols Whitman County for the regional Fish and Wildlife office.

Whitman County Sheriff’s office also responds to calls on poaching. More often than not, sheriff’s deputies respond to a call and inform Weaver of any citation issued.

Sheriff Brett Myers said the most frequent calls they receive are trespassing complaints.

This can include hunters who pass from one private property to another without realizing it.

Myers noted many property lines are difficult to detect.

Weaver said it is easiest for law enforcement to catch a violator when the crime is happening.

Property owners who detect evidence of a game violation after it has happened are urged to call the sheriff’s office or the regional Fish & Wildlife office.

In Whitman County, most game poaching involves deer and pheasant.

Hunting game from inside your car is unfair to the animal, Weaver added.

“That’s just plain cruel. It’s an unsportsman-like way to hunt,” he said. “It’s dangerous. Having a loaded firearm in your vehicle is dangerous.”

Weaver pointed out the people he catches do not normally break the law. Instead, most violators are individuals who come out on vacation to hunt and get carried away.

“For some reason, when it comes to hunting, they don’t use the common sense they use in ordinary life,” he said.