A young man recently shot two whooping cranes in east Texas. The US attorney has charged him with a Class B Misdemeanor, violating the Migratory Bird Act. The reason for this instead of charges under the endangered species act is it is an easier and convenient conviction and the expense of keeping this type of criminal incarcerated. I understand, and for the most part agree with, both reasons.

Here is the problem. My understanding is that the kid, as a juvenile, has previously earned four citations for hunting without a license and recently two others for criminal trespass for poaching public lands. Additionally his friends told Texas Game Wardens that he was planning to kill the birds before he did it. He also killed the cranes with a rifle from a car from the road. With a misdemeanor conviction he will be able to own a gun and “hunt” in the future. This is unacceptable.

This man brings disgrace to the hunting public and should never be able to legally carry a firearm again. The situation sends the signal that someone can violate the laws that we have all worked so hard not only to enact, but also to educate our sportsmen and other wildlife enthusiasts to follow without the penalty established as a deterrent.

If Jefferson County does not file additional State felony charges, this outlaw could only be charged with a misdemeanor and be emboldened to continue to illegally take game and protected species.

If our public servants do not enforce the laws that the citizenry advocates, especially in a case like this, we have all been wasting our time and money.

Please join us in demanding that Justice be carried out with a felony conviction.