Very well put idahonative, we are not trying to justify stronger penalties for poachers than those given to murderers/rapists etc. All we want is the "slap on the wrist" judgements to go away. We need to deter poachers. Without consequences to suffer, these guys are allured every year.
Criminals that harm other people usually have lawyers representing them, the legal system to protect them...the list goes on. There are reasons these violent criminals don't get maximum sentencing, a lot has to do with how our states look on the death penalty, etc etc. Texas has it right in my opinion.
A template needs to be set with strict sentencing for poaching. Heavy fines and hard time given to poachers start modeling that template that helps other courts follow and spread the word that POACHING IS A SERIOUS CRIME!
idahonative set the record by stating that poachers not only harm wildlife, but also give us ethical and moral sportsmen a bad name.
Chef
"I Love Animals...They're Delicious!"