no 



During the past two months I have been in contact with U.S. Representative Cliff Steams and 

 Mr Harry Burroughs, Special Assistant to U.S. Representative Don Young. Congressman Young 

 chairs the House Resources Committee My contact with the members of Congress concerned 

 the actions of the US. Wildlife Service on October 13, 1995, in which I and 87 other citizens 

 were confronted at a charity dove shoot event in Dixie County which later resulted in citations 

 being issued for shooting over a "baited" field. The House Resources Committee oversees the 

 US Wildlife Service and concerns throughout our area resulted in requests for an inquiry into 

 tactics used by federal wildlife officers Earlier this month both Representative Steams' and 

 Representative Young's office assured me that congressional hearings will take place regarding 

 this unfortunate incident I am personally encouraged by the opportimity to express to Congress 

 my deep reservations about the judgment and tactics displayed by an agency of the federal 

 government 



As Sheriff of Alachua County, I realize the importance of maintaining good working relationships 

 with other levels of the cnminal justice system. We have several successful investigations and 

 prosecutions in cooperation with the local US Attorney's Office The issuance of a citation by 

 the U.S. Wildlife Service to me for hunting on a "baited" field places the U.S. Attorney's Office 

 in the awkward position of having to defend the actions of US Wildlife Officers and the 

 prosecution of a charge which requires no intent or even knowledge to violate. My position 

 remains that I had no intent or even knowledge if any regulation was violated. 



My argument is not with the US Attomey's Office nor with the US. Magistrate but with the 

 US Wildlife Service. In an effort to maintain our excellent relations with the US. Attomey's 

 Office and carry out the important work of public safety 1 have decided to mail in the forfeiture 

 amount as a "donation" to the US Govemment and to carry on with my dispute with the heavy 

 handed and unnecessary tactics of the US Wildlife Service with the United States Congress. 



