Illinois Hunting Permit Scandal
It seems Illinois hunters, who had no idea about a discreet administrative process, lost out to those who did when it came to state hunting permits. Those who knew about it were handed permits without having to participate in the lottery like everyone else. Oddly enough, those who got to forego the lottery were made up of politicians, judges, professional athletes, hunting industry big wigs, and donors to the state’s Conservation Foundation.
If there isn’t an apparent agenda discernable in that list, then a person must be blind not to see it. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources apparently catered to those with money and/or clout that would benefit them the most. Isn’t that always the case when it comes to politics and contributions?
The question I have to ask, though, is how much more does the average hunter end up giving through the purchase of tags, hunting equipment, and many other items that carry a tax for the support of wildlife conservation. In the long run, I believe that their support would end up being much greater than a one-time contribution garnered from some special favor. For these everyday hunters to lose out on a fair chance at permits shows little gratitude for what they do.
The fact that there is corruption in politics is a hard reality. That it trickles down into a department of government responsible for such an important cause is a sad reality. Where does it end?
From politicians lying about hunting to garner votes and support to preferential treatment to those who give support, the recent hunting related news in the world of politics is disappointing to say the least.
hunting, corruption, agenda, wildlife conservation, Illinois, permits, lottery, politics
April 11th, 2007 at 5:21 pm
Good post. It is sad that hunters who might otherwise have had a chance at a permit were done out of one because someone wanted to score some points with the “bigwigs”. But, as you said, the fact that there is corruption in politics is a hard reality. I would add, it is also a sad reality.