AZ Game and Fish Commissioner Cited for Hunting Violation

Fursniper

Fursniper

Well-known member
I agree with the policy of the AZ Game and Fish Dept that a citation needed to be issued. Commissioner Jack Husted needs to realize that an officer is not the judge. It is the judge's job to determine the fine/discipline. According to ARS 17-309E, A peace officer who knowingly fails to enforce a lawful rule of the commission or this title is guilty of a class 2 misdemeanor.

August 09, 2012 |

Game and Fish commissioner cited for hunting violation

by Alex Stuckey - Aug. 8, 2012 06:02 PM
The Republic | azcentral.com

Arizona Game and Fish Commissioner Jack Husted has been cited for reportedly shooting a prairie dog out of season, according to Round Valley Justice Court records.

Husted has pleaded not guilty to a class 2 misdemeanor.

Husted said he was looking for rabbits to shoot with the son of a family friend on April 9. He didn't see any, but then the pair came across some Gunnison Prairie Dogs. After seven or eight misses, the 13-year-old shot the animal, Husted said.

But these animals cannot be hunted after April 1.

"When I found out the prairie dog season was closed, I self reported, I went to the director," Husted said. "It was the right thing to do."

According to department policy, Husted had to be cited for taking wildlife during a closed season, which could result in a $250 fine, spokesman Jim Paxon said. Taking wildlife during a closed season is a class 2 misdemeanor.

On Aug. 7, Husted pleaded not guilty in Round Valley Justice Court. His pre-trial hearing is scheduled for Aug. 31. Conviction of a class 2 misdemeanor could result in a maximum sentence of four months in jail and a $750 fine.

Paxon said there is no risk that Husted could lose his hunting license or his position on the commission. Husted is also a reserve game warden, which Paxon said would not be in jeopardy either.

"This is what an ethical sportsman does," Paxon said of Husted's decision to turn himself in. "We can't emphasize enough the height of his integrity."

But Husted isn't happy about the department's decision to ticket him.

"I think it's a little heavy-handed," he said. "Rather than being rewarded (for self-reporting), I was disciplined. I'm looking forward to my day in court."

 
He is the Game and Fish commissioner and a reserve game warden, and he didn't know the regs on Prarie Dogs? Doesn't look good to the tree huggers when the head of our conservation department turns himself in for poaching.

"Rather than being rewarded (for self-reporting), I was disciplined."

No s**t Sherlock! Everyone needs to be held to the same standards regardless of occupation. He deserved the citation.
 
I have to agree that he NEEDS TO KNOW HIS SEASONS! He's supposed to be out enforcing the rules and breaks one instead? What is trying be a Martyr by turning himself in? Hit him with the $250 and move along.
 
He is not the first to be cited in AZ for self reporting. Maybe something good will come of it for others.
 
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Originally Posted By: Fursniper
"I think it's a little heavy-handed," he said. "Rather than being rewarded (for self-reporting)"

It is a little heavy-handed that you receive the same treatment that you dole-out isn't it?? Ya don't always win a "reward" when you admit you don't know the rules of your job.

 
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Should the 13 year old also be cited? He is the one who shot the Prairie Dog. I agree just because you miss does not mean you are not guilty. Attempting to take an animal is hunting.
 
I'm trying to figure out why he plead not guilty, after turning himself in??

Didn't expect to get a ticket??? He just admitted to the law that he committed a crime, and he didn't expect to get a ticket?? I'm thinking he's been listening to entirely too many Obama/Mexican immigrant stories! There are laws in this country.

Plea guilty, pay the $250 fine, and get on with your life. (If you're going to admit you committed a crime and turn yourself in.) By pleading not guilty, and relishing your day in court, over a $250 ticket, you're only going to get a LOT of BAD PUBLICITY for your self and the department.
 
Oh, it could be worse.
Several years ago, the Director of the Arkensaw Game and Fish Comm. totaled a Dept vehicle while DRUNK.
He was awarded a new SUV and a DRIVER, at the expense of the sportsmen of the state.
YES, he was ticketed for DUI and payed his fine, but was rewarded with a personal driver to drive him full time. To work and home, to the mall,,, you get the idea.

Shayne
 
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