Poaching Bill Awaits Governor’s Signature

Hartford, CT –State Senator Tony Guglielmo (R-Stafford) and State Representative Mike Alberts (R-Brooklyn) voted in favor of a HB 5263, An Act Concerning the Penalty for Poaching. The bill increases the penalties against hunters who trespass on private property.

Sen. Tony Guglielmo (R-Stafford) said, “Every honest hunter agrees with this legislation.”
Under current state law, when a person is found guilty of trespassing for the purposes of hunting, trapping or fishing they will be charged with criminal trespassing in the third degree, a Class C misdemeanor which necessitates a fine up to $500.00.

House Bill 5263 would impose a mandatory $1,000 fine for poaching.
The legislation is co-sponsored by Rep. Alberts who said, “Poaching in our woods and water has been an on-going problem in our community for years.”

Many residents in the Pomfret community reported witnessing hunters trespassing on their private property, Alberts and Guglielmo pushed for legislation that would deter any further poaching.

Rep. Alberts said, “By enforcing a stronger punishment we will hopefully discourage these repeated offenders from continuing to poach in the future. I’m thankful my colleagues in the legislature showed their support for this important legislation.”

Sen. Tony Guglielmo said, “I appreciate the support of the Connecticut Sportsman’s Coalition and the support of the Connecticut Audubon Society in this effort to stop a dangerous practice.”

The bill now awaits the signature of the Governor.
If you know of poaching, call the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s 24-hour, Turn-in-Poachers (TIP) toll free number at 1-800-842-4357.