Felons, Parolees Getting Hunting Licenses

[Judi Lynn]

Felons, Parolees Getting Hunting Licenses
AP Investigation: Felons and Parolees Banned From Guns Still Get Hunting Licenses in Montana
By MATT GOURAS Associated Press Writer
The Associated Press

HELENA, Mont. Jan 29, 2006 — Hundreds of people barred from having guns because they are felons on parole or probation are still able to get hunting licenses in Montana with no questions asked, an Associated Press investigation found.

Montana may not be alone. While nearly all states ban felons from possessing guns, only a handful including Rhode Island and Maine keep them from receiving hunting permits, and just a few others such as Illinois and Massachusetts require hunters to show both a hunting license and a firearms license.

"Our license dealers have no way of checking," said Lt. Rich Mann, with the enforcement program for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. "If someone wants to play with the system and beat you at it, they will."

The AP examination of Montana hunting and corrections records shows at least 660 felons on parole or probation received tags in the past year. The findings are based on a comparison of unique first, middle and last names, along with other identifiable information, that appeared in databases of both hunters and felons.
(snip/...)

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=1554471&CMP=OTC-RSSFeeds0312

[proud2BlibKansan]

1. One more reason not to start hunting

And sheesh, you gots to wonder how hard it is for them to check the sex offender websites.

[lovuian]

2. Its a joke...

You can have a law but if there is nobody to enforce it then its a joke...

[951-Riverside]

3. Atleast these boneheads are honest enough to fill out an application...

[meow2u3]

4. This is evidence that the repukes twist the Second Amendment as such

...the right of criminals and terrorists to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed, as long as they're white and conservative. :sarcasm:

[benEzra]

5. You can hunt with weapons other than firearms...

Felons are allowed to own bows and arrows, muzzleloading firearms, and certain antique firearms (manufactured before 1898). There are dedicated bow-and-arrow and muzzleloading seasons in every state that I am aware of.

I don't see any reason why someone who was convicted of writing a bad check 30 years ago should be barred from hunting deer with a bow-and-arrow...

[Evergreen Emerald]

7. If the crime occurred 30 years ago

it is unlikely that the firearm prohibition was in effect. If it was however, and the person had been law abiding for 10 consecutive years (and paid off all of the restitution and fines) they can attempt to gain back the firearm right.

[benEzra]

8. Not anymore...

If the crime occurred 30 years ago it is unlikely that the firearm prohibition was in effect.

The firearms prohibition under the Gun Control Act of 1968 is for life, unless you go through the lengthy process to have your civil rights restored. The crime doesn't have to be a felony, either, just one punishable by at least 365 days in prison, even if you just got a warning or community service.

FWIW, my wife's father did something really stupid more than 50 years ago, and got a felony conviction. He later got straightened out, quit drinking, and afterward lived an exemplary life. He is now in his seventies and is still barred from so much as touching a single round of ammunition, and will be for the rest of his life.

If it was however, and the person had been law abiding for 10 consecutive years (and paid off all of the restitution and fines) they can attempt to gain back the firearm right.

Congress de-funded the BATFE office that does the civil rights restorations many years ago ('80s or '90s), in an attempt to look "tough on crime." So you can still apply to have your civil rights restored, but the BATFE cannot process your application. The only way to have your rights restored is to be pardoned or otherwise have the conviction expunged.

[RebelOne]

6. Very simple to get a hunting license in Montana

Run the demo.

https://app.discoveringmontana.com/elicensesales/