LET THERE BE NO LIGHT SAYS STATE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

If you're driving down a quiet country road late at night and happen to catch sight of deer from the road, don't try to spotlight the animal in order to get a better look. If you do you could end up in hot water with the Missouri Department of Conservation.

The Missouri Conservation Commision recently approved a provision banning the shining of lights at wildlife from all public and private roads.

The ban, which goes into effect Jan. 1, 1996, is intended to protect landowners from annoyance and as a measure to chip away at poaching. Landowners' "friendly spotlighting" on their own property are exempt from the regulation.

Ken Babcock, assistant director for the Department of Conservation, said the change was prompted by property owners.

"We've had an increasing number of complaints from land owners about indiscriminate use of spotlights at night under the guise of looking for wildlife," Babcock said.

"Land owners are concerned when they see spotlights either being cast in their yards, houses or fields. They are concerned that either someone is trying to take wildlife or take livestock or other property they might have."

It has previously been illegal to spotlight while in possession of a firearms, a provision to thwart prospective poachers. However, the amended regulation outlaws even well-intentioned spotlighting from roadways by nature lovers simply looking for a glimpse of nocturnal animals or other wildlife.

"People can make a fairly strong argument that shining a light into the eyes of wildlife may be considered a form of harassment and something not entirely humane," Babcock said, noting that many portable lights now available are extremely powerful.

However, he did concede that the regulation is a restriction of a "legitimate use of wildlife." He added that the Department of Conservation is open to suggestions on the matter. The goal, he said, is to prevent misuse without infringing too much on people's enjoyment of the outdoors.

"The intent of enforcing wildlife codes is to get compliance, not to harass people," said Babcock.

Babcock said he was not aware of a specific penalty being written into the regulation and added punishment for any violation would probably be determined by the court handling each individual case.

Comments can be sent to: Office of the Director, Missouri Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO, 65102-0180.