In reference to the November 2 sentencing of a Connecticut man for violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act by shooting and retrieving ducks after baiting them with corn, Audubon leaders express our support for proper prosecution in the form of a $4,000 fine. This event unfortunately highlights the critical role conservation law enforcement plays in fish and wildlife conservation.

"At Audubon, we are pleased to see violations of bird hunting laws are properly prosecuted under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.  We applaud the hard work of Connecticut’s Environmental Conservation (EnCon) police officers in who, in collaboration the United States Fish and Wildlife Service brought this matter justice. We also thank the diligent work of U.S. Attorney’s Office in Connecticut and the Department of Justice. These types of prosecutions are critical to protecting birds from illegal hunting and we support additional resources for all law enforcement agencies to protect birds and all wildlife from illegal hunting," said Robert LaFrance, policy director for Audubon Connecticut, the state office of the National Audubon Society.

“Audubon has a deep history of working with waterfowl hunters and waterfowl conservation organizations, including collaborating for decades on numerous conservation initiatives related to habitat for waterfowl and other wetland species. Along with good science, strong wildlife laws – respected by the vast majority of hunters – are the foundation of our successful system of wildlife management. We applaud this collaborative and effective effort to enforce those laws,” said Mike Burger, executive director of Audubon Connecticut and New York and vice president of the National Audubon Society.