Jakob Gagnon, 21, was arraigned Aug. 28 in Cheboygan County District Court on misdemeanor charges of taking an elk without a license and possessing stolen property, the Associated Press reported recently.

Gagnon will have his day in court, but, if he is proven guilty, we hope the judge gives Gagnon a stiff punishment.

There’s just no reason for killing any animal illegally.

Hunting regulations, including hunting seasons and bag limits, are designed to protect the population of game animals so they can continue to play their important roles in our ecosystems and can thrive enough to remain available to sportsmen and sportswomen year after year.

Elk, in particular, are relatively rare animals, with exceptionally limited taking seasons and licenses only available through lottery. Poachers not only run the risk of upsetting the ecosystem, but also unfairly punish responsible hunters who pay their fair share and wait in line.

In short, poachers are scoundrels among the worst sort, and there’s no place for them in this state.

(THE ALPENA NEWS)