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Rq)resentative Don Young 

 December 8, 1995 

 Page Two 



Approximately 30 days later I received a letter and citation through registered mail (copy 

 attached) charging me with taking migratory birds over a baited area. The fine was for $525 

 unless I wanted to go to court in which I could face 6 months in prison, $5,000 fine, and five 

 years probation with my hunting privilege revoked. All this for what started out as outdoor 

 recreation with good people serving a charitable organization. Four Florida Sheriffs were on the 

 field that day along with the Regional Director of the State Game and Fish Commission, Clerks 

 of the County Courts and several people in leadership positions in their communities all sharing 

 in their embarrassment at this treatment from federal officers. Newspaper coverage was extensive 

 throughout the state concerning both the raid and the reaction by its victims. I believe this whole 

 episode was both unnecessary and heavy handed. The agents stated they had observed this field 

 for several days determining that it was unlawful. Instead of inaking a telephone call or sending 

 one agent to notify participants a dozen agents lay in wait for unknowing citizens to arrive into 

 their web. The field had been photographed and surveillance performed with federal aircraft. 

 I don't feel the birds were baited that day, I believe law abiding citizens were baited, trapped, 

 tried and fined, then extorted into pleading and paying for a "violation" of a law that does not 

 require intent or even knowledge to violate. TTie reason the federal agents say they use such 

 tactics; because they can! 



I urge your committee to review both this law and the tactics of a federal agency that appears 

 to be out of control. 1 would be pleased to provide additional information. 



Sincerely, 



Stephen M. Oelrich 

 Sheriff 



Enc. 



c Honorable Cliff Steams 

 Honorable Charles Williams 



