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Most hunters and anglers obey regulations, but a 1994 survey commissioned by the U.S. Department of Commerce concerning the nation's hunting and fishing enthusiasts stated that 15 percent of people who hunt or fish break the law.
As the human population expands in Florida and ever-growing numbers of people take to the woods and water for sport, the necessity for strict adherence to regulations grows. And not just for current outdoor enthusiats, as rules are created to suit both immediate and future needs.
"Some wildlife or marine-life laws stem from reactions to abuses of the resources," said Capt. John Miller of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Tallahassee Division of Law Enforcement. "Others are created through a proven need or to conserve the resources for future generations."
By virtue of being Florida residents, we own its wildlife and marine life. All of us own a share of the resources and responsibilities, which makes worse some people's belief they can violate laws. And there are thousands who knowingly disregard the welfare of the natural resources for their own profit and pleasure.
"Some people are just ignorant of the rules, and while that doesn't absolve them from the laws, when caught those people will change their behavior patterns and learn from their experiences," Miller said. "Others violate the rules knowingly and intentionally, and the penalties for those individuals should be severe."
Fish and wildlife violations take on many forms. Net fishing, while now restricted by the net ban enacted through constitutional reform in 1994, still goes on. Illegal hunting at night and the sale of game meats takes place. Recreational anglers keep undersized, out-of-season fish, often too many of them.
And while many feel they won't be caught, many will.
On Feb. 5, warrants were served on 10 people in and around Baker County after a covert investigation of wildlife crimes. The majority of the charges were fish and wildlife related, with 67 first- and second-degree misdemeanors and 21 felonies. The crimes included selling deer meat, the sale of game fish, illegal killing of an alligator and selling its meat. The operation consisted of law enforcement officers working undercover, posing as hunters and anglers.
Wildlife officers are becoming savvier, and science is helping them. DNA samples can be used to identify which meats officers are dealing with, and undercover operations are on the rise.
"While we may not catch all of the violators due to budgetary or manpower and scheduling restraints, we are putting a dent in their illegal activities," Miller said.
If you witness or suspect a fish or wildlife crime, call the FWC's hotline. If possible without taking risk, attempt to obtain the registration numbers of the vessel, a license plate number or some other method of identifying violators. You may be able to collect a reward for your actions.
Sidebar: Who to call?To report a wildlife violation; 1-888-404-FWCC.
North Central Region 24 hour Law Enforcement; 386-758-0529
Southwest Region 24 hour Law Enforcement; 863-648-3200