For now, YOU pay!

I got a painful reminder last week.  Sunday evening while driving home from Church, a deer ran across the road in front of my Tahoe.  There was no way to miss it. It wasn’t my first collision with wildlife.  A similar encounter with an elk several years ago produced over $12,000.00 damage to my vehicle.

$1,236.00 later, I am asking some questions.

The Game Fish and Parks claims ownership of all free roaming wildlife in South Dakota.  Even privately owned wildlife is subject to GF&P regulations and restrictions.  For the past few years I have been buying and releasing pheasants at our ranch.  I would be charged with a crime and prosecuted if I shoot one without buying a license from the GF&P and following their rules.

Farmers and ranchers feed the wildlife.  They are conscientious stewards.  Many spend a lot of time, energy and money providing habitat and food for wildlife, with no compensation.  I have personally spent tens of thousands of dollars, without so much as a than you note.  I know others who have done the same.  GF&P calls the shots and keeps the money.

The Game Fish and Parks rakes in millions of dollars every year from license fees.  But when it comes to responsibility for “their” livestock… well, you are on your own.

If some of my livestock are hit by a vehicle, I probably have some responsibility.  I better have good insurance because someone is coming after me!

Why shouldn’t the Game Fish and Parks help motorists who have wildlife collisions?  Wouldn’t it be nice if a few dollars from each license fee was set aside to help cover the damages caused by “their” wildlife?  A fund could be established to help motorists who are unfortunate enough to have an unplanned vehicular encounter with one of “their”  animals (or birds).

Maybe one of our new, bright South Dakota Legislators will take action on this issue.

“It’s not about right or left, it’s about Right or Wrong.”

Please…

Pray

Pitch in a few bucks to help… click the “donate” button

“friend” me on facebook for daily updates

Learn more about Gordon: Texas Longhorn Cattle, Real Estate, Music and Politics at www.ghowie.com