Getting Hunting Permits With Head-Of-The-Line Privileges
April 12, 2007
I’ve been in the business world for a long time in many different areas, from construction to tourism and stops in between. I understand the need, if you will, for a business to offer “freebies” as a way of promoting its business. But is it right to give away hunting permits to professional athletes and politicians when those permits are issued in a lottery format?
Such is the case in Illinois following an audit that involved the Department of Natural Resources. Yesterday I introduced you to the story that had limited available information and told you how more than 1,200 permits had been given away. Now, more information is trickling in as to who were the recipients of free hunting permits. In addition to Colorado Rockies first baseman, John Mabry, a host of others got some free passes.
According to the documents, other players who received the permits include pitchers Jake Peavy and Cal Eldred, former catcher Mike Matheny and former utilityman Eli Marrero. Chicago White Sox slugger Jim Thome, a Peoria-area native, also received one of the special permits.
In addition to ballplayers, the list included a number of current and former state lawmakers, including state Sen. Gary Forby, D-Benton, state Rep. Brandon Phelps, D-Harrisburg, and state Rep. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro
If you are one of those who think politicians are just like you and me and think the same way, read this.
When asked if he thought it was wrong that extra permits were given out – some to prominent, well-connected people – Forby said he wouldn’t mind if twice as many licenses were distributed.
“We have too many damn deers in my district,” Forby said.
Not convinced yet? Try this.
While the agency defended its practice, Holland said the program allowed the state to give preferential treatment to certain people.
Bost, too, said he didn’t see a problem with his receiving a turkey hunting permit through the special process. He said he’d do the same thing for one of his constituents if asked.
So my suggestion to all of you who are in Mr. Bost’s district, to get on the phone and call him up and ask for a special permit for turkey or deer. Oh, heck! You might as well ask him for both. It would be fitting for him to become inundated with telephone calls. Here’s his contact information.
Springfield Office:
202-N Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-0387
(217) 557-0571 FAX
District Office:
300 E. Main
Carbondale, IL 62951
(618) 457-5787
(618) 457-2990 FAX
Jackson County
If this is the case, then why does Illinois even bother with permits in the first place?
Tom Remington
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