In response to your series this week "Renegade riders / ATVs on public land": Rather than spend tax money on asking other riders to monitor and report illegal ATV activity, why doesn't the Department of Natural Resources implement the same system that has significantly reduced deer poaching in Wisconsin and Minnesota?
When I began hunting in the early '70s, poaching was rampant, and since the fine was only $100, most poachers considered it an acceptable risk. Then Wisconsin passed legislation significantly increasing the fine and allowing conservation officers to seize any hunting-related property used in the act, including guns and vehicles. Nearly immediately, poaching decreased dramatically.
Doesn't it make sense that riders will think twice about any illegal activity knowing that, if they are caught, their $6,000 all-terrain vehicle will be seized and auctioned off to help hire more conservation officers?
RON PIELA, STILLWATER
