OUTDOOR CORNER: WILDLIFE LAWS PROTECT ENVIRONMENT AS WELL AS ANIMALS, PEOPLE

Last month in this column we discussed some of the changes in the "Wildlife Code" of Missouri. This month, we will discuss the reasons for wildlife laws.

Why do we need game laws?

Wildlife managers use laws to control the activities of people which can and do affect the welfare of the wildlife resources. Similar laws are enacted to govern the use of fish and forest resources. Such laws can be broken down into three basic categories, which are:

1. Conservation or Protection of Resources and Environment. Fish, forests and wildlife are natural resources. Laws in this category help insure they are properly managed and used wisely. The Endangered Species Act, for example, prohibits the harvest of any rare or endangered wildlife. Prohibiting the taking of wildlife at night with the aid of an artificial light prevents an unfair harvest when the animals are especially vulnerable. Another example would be closing the hunting season during the nesting season, when wildlife is very east to harvest and the taking of one individual might mean eliminating several animals at once.

2. Equal Harvest Opportunity. Regulations in this category assure sportsmen of fair treatment. For example, daily and possession limits are set for various wildlife species to make sure each hunter has a fair chance for hunting success. Without such limitations, some very skilled hunters with plenty of time to hunt undoubtedly would harvest large numbers of whatever species they are hunting. That could and would mean others might not be able to share in the surplus. Laws prohibiting the commercialization of wildlife help reduce the possible incentive for over-harvesting.

3. Protection of People. A part of managing the wildlife resources of the state is managing those people who use the resource. Unfortunately, not all people know how to be or are willing to be ethical and responsible hunters. Ignoring these qualities can be unsafe, so rules must be made and enforced which are aimed at keeping people safe while they hunt. One example of this kind of law is the requirement to wear a hunter orange cap and upper outer garment while deer hunting with a firearm. Another is the mandatory hunter education regulation.

These policies and regulations are implemented by a professional director and his staff, who are appointed by the Conservation Commission. The staff includes the wildlife managers who scientifically examine the factors which go into formulating the regulations and the conservation agents who enforce them.

Some game laws are complex. It is difficult to see the reason or there may be more than one reason. For example, the rule allowing deer hunters to shoot only from 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily has two purposes: 1) protection of the resource because you often can't tell whether you're looking at a buck or doe in the dim early morning or late evening light; and 2) the protection of people because it is easier to mistake a human for a deer in the early or late light.

Missouri's game laws are contained in a booklet titled The Missouri Wildlife Code.

Sometimes special regulations are published in addition. Regulations are written based upon: biological principles and research; acceptance by society; and legal doctrine. Hopefully, if sportsmen understand the need for specific regulations, they will comply with those regulations readily and willingly.

Those who do not comply with the law are subject to a fine of up to $1,000, and even jail time, depending on the specific offense. All fine money goes to schools in the county where the violation occurred.

Citizens who wish to propose changes or to discuss conservation laws or Department of Conservation activities have the opportunity to address the Conservation Commission. The commission holds monthly meetings, often moving these meetings to various parts of the state, for citizen convenience. These meetings are open to the public.

Gene Myers is a Missouri Department of Conservation agent in Cape Girardeau County.