Letters: DNR punishment system needs an overhaul

The S.C. Department of Natural Resources has a role in the case of convicted hawk killer Charles Williams that is not immediately apparent.

The agency maintains a point system for hunting-related crimes, much like we have for vehicle violations. Taking hawks, owls, kites and other birds of prey is an eight-point violation. By comparison, killing a turkey out of season is an 18-point violation.

Our important protected non-game species should be held to a similar standard as our protected game species. An 18-point violation would be more appropriate for taking birds of prey. This needs to be addressed by the Natural Resources Board. It is hard to protect a species when the punishment is not set at an appropriate value.

I am a hunter and value all wildlife — not just the ones managed for harvest.

Now is a good time to make a change to the point system. It would be favored by the public as well as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It would also show that our Department of Natural Resources setting a standard in line with other parts of the country.