I wonder if he knew the difference between the whooping crane and sandhill or did it on purpose. I bet, either way, he doesn't do it again.

$$$$$ this one will cost. Sad deal for the whoopers

+1. A $15,000 fine and 6 mos in Federal prison will make a deep impression on an 18-yr-old. That said, the maximum sentence appears too lenient to me.

Don't do the crime if you can't do the time.

I think 6 months of a mans life for killing two birds is ridiculous. Endangered or not they're still just birds.

Big mistake.

The article didn't indicate if it was a intentional act or not.

I agree, if the birds came in with a flock of sandhill crane and he shot them, that is one thing, but if he targeted the birds by themselves, that is something else all together. However, I have a feeling that if the article was correct and the gw went to his house because of witness statements, then he knew he had done something wrong.

Agreed

Now if it was intentional or not is the big thing imo or if he was huntin sandhills

What if they snuck onto a prime low fence deer lease in South Texas and shot a B&C book deer that the owner had said was off limits so it would improve the rest of the deer herd?

What should the punishment be for that hunting crime?

I don't want to waste the kid in jail either way... make him work off the time with a lot of community service..


Like I said the crane thing has info left out on if he just decided to shoot some birds or mistake while hunting.. even still why waste and pay for his crime than get a lot of use out of it

Like it or not, there is little leniency when it comes to whooping cranes. He will receive severe punishment. A guy a few years back accidentally shot one, turned himself in, and got no leniency.

The Feds simply don't want to send any message other than a harsh one when it comes to an animal that is basically the face of conservation of endangered species.

I get it.

I can't see myself doing it, but should I accidentally shoot a whooping crane, I now know what to do about it.

The area he was in is closed to Sandhill Crane hunting. They don't have a season in that part of Texas to shoot them. So he cant really say he accidentally shot a Whooping while hunting Sandhills.

https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/regs/animals/sandhill-crane

Some good info

I think 6 months sounds about right. Let him serve them concurrently but hit him with the total fine of $30,000.

Rural east Tex, 18, and no attorney, doubt he will have any money to pay back for a long long time no matter how much they fine him. They know where those cranes are all the time.

Then I am sure this young man is going to learn a lesson. One I hope stays with him for the rest of his life. Otherwise we most likely are looking a a future deer poacher, since laws aren't important to him.

Not a "in the sky ribeye"

Yep, people should consider this before doing it.

WHOOPS.........!


Sorry, just couldn't resist.

If it was accidental I agree completely, in other words thought it was a Sandhill etc...if the person who did this was purposeful and has a history then throw the book at him.

who cares