Posted by Rick Cloran on March 25, 2011 at 12:11 PM
Here is a link to an article covering a Montana photographer who, on a second violation no less, was sentenced to jail (mostly suspended) and fined for baiting Bighorns for photographic purposes. The article speculates on whether he may have been the indirect cause of three Bighorns being hit and killed by cars in the area. A sad commentary. It is reading things like this that remind me why I occasionally run into people with such bad opinions about nature photographers.
IMO, only 10 days in jail and $1000 fine doesn't seem enough for the lives of 3 animals (especially after a written warning already) , but I hope this gets people's attention and makes them think.
What price good photos? and who /what is paying that price?
Sandy
Posted by Mark Seaver on March 27, 2011 at 12:06 AM
I suspect that prohibiting him from selling his photos is the hardest part of the sentence for him, although it's not clear how the authorities will enforce that. It's pretty sad, what photographers will do to "get a picture" as in the photographer who built a large bonfire under Delicate Arch to get a nightime shot and left burn marks that will last for decades or more. At the same time, many states allow hunters to put out feed or salt licks to lure animals in for killing. These are all shortcuts that allow someone to achieve a result without putting in the time and effort to learn animal behavior, photography, etc.
Discussion
3 replieshttp://www.pdnonline.com/pdn/news/Photographer-Jailed--2042.shtml
You may have to copy and paste it, but it is worth the read.
What price good photos? and who /what is paying that price?
Sandy