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Destrier,
I don't know who you are and you don't know me. Because I am thankful for your service, I type this response with what I hope is the requisite due respect.
We likely won't agree at this point, but I have a couple of points to make. I would guess that you are from somewhere back East as deer tend to be a bit over populated in those parts. As you know, I am from out west. Things are a bit different out here, so I don't know that a direct comparison applies.
However, paying taxes has nothing to do with wildlife and wildlife management. The power over wildlife rests with the States. In my state, not a red cent from income taxes funds anything wildlife related it is all derived from license sales with a small amount coming from Federal excise taxes on sporting equipment. The critters belong to the people for whom we act as stewards. Poaching is no grand feat and is easily perpetrated. We rely on the people to grasp the concept that wildlife belongs to all of us and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that they have a place in our environment for future generations. Poaching is no grand feat and is easily perpetrated. The latitude we are given allows us to deal with those who fail to grasp or willfully disregard this concept.
I don't disagree that there are those who might attempt to exploit those powers. It comes down to the character and integrity of the individual as well as the age old saying of, "...just because you can doesn't mean that you should...". I would challenge you to find any other type of LEO that has as much patience and applies common sense to the degree that wildlife officers in my state do. We take great pride in doing our job well, fairly and impartially. I won't attempt to speak for others. And no, I won't allow that sort of thing to happen in my area on my watch.
Thank you,
RB
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