I heard a news piece this morning about “Operation Jackhammer”. Interesting which “harvesting” techniques are legal vs. illegal. What’s fair or unfair in the practice of hunting? In this case it is night-hunting with lights.
The investigation, dubbed “Operation Jackhammer,” focused on the illegal taking of deer by use of artificial light – a practice commonly known as “deer jacking.” This involves night hunting where poachers shine a spotlight on a deer feeding in fields to “freeze” the animal long enough to shoot it — killing deer when they are most vulnerable. Typically, deer jacking occurs in remote rural areas, late at night. Due to these late hours and secluded areas, there are few, if any, witnesses to this crime.
It seems “102 misdemeanors and 37 violations were filed in the Adirondack Park and surrounding North Country.” While the notion of what is “fair” for the deer is debatable, I totally agree with the safety issue.
“DEC takes seriously the crime of nighttime deer poaching for many reasons – safety, foremost,” said Henry Hamilton, DEC Assistant Commissioner for Public Protection. “Deer jacking involves someone firing off a high-powered rifle in the dark, not knowing what or who is behind their target. Sometimes, it involves shooting across roads. But also, poachers typically trespass across private lands, violate hunting ethics and rob legitimate hunters of opportunities.”
I wonder what the motive is behind these illegal hunts? Is it for fun? Are they putting food on their tables?
This really chaps my hide. Details of the criminals after the jump.
DEC POLICE ARREST BEAR POACHERS
The Adirondack early bear season has been open for less than two weeks and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Region 5 Environmental Conservation Police are busy seeking out and catching poachers.
DEC Environmental Conservation Officers (ECOs) are out patrolling, staking out, and observing the lands on which people hunt. They are in uniform and undercover; they are in vehicles and on foot; they are checking licenses and watching over decoys. ECOs have already handled a number of reports of poaching.
“Most hunters pursue and take game in a legal manner,” said DEC Region 5 Law Enforcement Captain Lawrence DiDonato. “However, we will continue to make every effort to stop poachers from illegally and unfairly killing game at the expense of legitimate sportsman and game populations. DEC has great respect for the legitimate sporting public, and invites them, and others, to join our efforts to combat poaching.”
The early bear season opened on Saturday, September 19. Routine patrol and investigations have led to a number of arrests for illegally taking bear, mainly by baiting, prior to and shortly after opening day.
ECOs pose with Net and Spear used to poach Walleye
14 Poached Walleye including visibly egg-laden female.
DEC ARRESTS TWO CLINTON COUNTY MEN FOR POACHING WALLEYE
Two Clinton County men have been arrested by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Environmental Conservation Officers (ECOs) for poaching walleye from the Saranac River in the Town of Franklin, Franklin County, Regional Director Betsy Lowe announced today.
“This type of illegal activity can have significant impacts on the walleye fishery and reduce fishing opportunities for lawful anglers,” Regional Director Lowe said. “Our officers will continue their efforts to seek out and arrest poachers to put an end to these illegal practices. Protection of New York State’s fish and wildlife resources is an important mission of this Department.”
“We were forced to introduce the legislation against this indecent practice before the warm weather starts”
In contrast to the “barefoot hikers”, these folks wear the boots, but(t) nothing else. I’m kind of a gear-fiend. You know, electronics, fancy stoves, special-blend socks, and hi-tech clothing. Yup, I consider clothing an essential piece of gear. But I also like to travel light. Naked Hiking. As you can imagine, there are a number of pros and cons to this activity.
There really is nothing new about this. Just some reactionary stiffs (ha ha) worried about grabbing enough Euros from people without pockets.
I occasionally bumped into groups or individuals hiking in the altogether in the Alps during my first trips to the region back in the 1970’s. Thought it made enough sense so that friends and I often adopted the same style in the Catskills and Adirondacks. No one ever had trouble with anything more than flies and other stinging critters.
I’d like to hear from anyone who has run across anyone doing this around here. A Winter 46? How about the 90-miler? Nude!
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"In the late 1970s, Woody Cole was also the executive director of the New York State Sports and Winter Olympics Commission for the 1980 Lake Placid Winter Olympics, serving under then-Secretary of State Cuomo."
"The Obama administration will accept no more public input for a federal strategy that could prohibit U.S. citizens from fishing the nation's oceans, coastal areas, Great Lakes, and even inland waters. "
"If there's one thing I truly hope comes out of this medal, I hope more kids and more people get out and try these sports that we love to do here in the North Country."
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"Past the small Adirondack towns of Wilmington and Ausable Forks, awaiting those who maintain the vision and possess the desire for true traditional ascents, stand the granite playgrounds of Potter and Silver Lake Mountain."
"When we reached the mountain, the temperature was in the low-30s but the rain had not quite turned to snow (as the forecast had predicted) and we were stuck with a wet, sleet-filled, pea soup kind of afternoon ahead of us."
"The problem is the United States has the reputation of being among one of the most unfriendly countries when it comes to international visitors, so this almost seems like one more way we are unwelcoming."
"The fee element of the plan is controversial as some business travel organizations argue that imposing a fee would dissuade, rather than promote, inbound travel."
I heard a news piece this morning about “Operation Jackhammer”. Interesting which “harvesting” techniques are legal vs. illegal. What’s fair or unfair in the practice of hunting? In this case it is night-hunting with lights.
Thanks to Mr. D for passing this along. My pantry is safer than 
