Governor Wants Stiffer Sentences for Poachers

BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Mark Dayton has renewed his call for tougher penalties for the worst poachers.

The governor says people who take gross over-limits of fish and game are committing shameful and serious criminal acts that should be treated that way under Minnesota law.

Dayton spoke Friday at an annual conference convened by the Department of Natural Resources. He said he plans to make another push during the upcoming legislative session for felony-level penalties who poachers who unlawfully take more than $2,000 worth of game or fish. That works out to four or more deer, for example, or 67 or more walleye or northern pike.

Dayton made a similar proposal last year, but it failed to pass. The governor plans to try again, saying poachers commit crimes against everyone.