Chinese Villagers Nabbed for Capturing 20,000 Waterfowl

by
posted on June 20, 2014
dogs_ah2015_fs.jpg (39)

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 ended North America's tragic (and fascinating) market-gunning era. Ducks could no longer legally be shot for fancy restaurants and, though many flouted the law, over several years the practice dried up. However, the aftershocks are still being felt. It's arguable that certain species have never fully recovered from the decades-long slaughter.

There's simply no place in conservation for a system in which restaurants—or any enterprise—reward the unregulated killing of wild game. Thankfully such an arrangement shows no signs of returning in the United States, but in China an underground network is apparently alive and well.

As reported by Chinese media, villagers from Peixian, Jiangsu Province, China, were arrested in May for the capture of an astounding 20,000 moorhens.

"The loss of 20,000 moorhens will definitely threaten the local species and eco-environment," said Liu Chanmin, an associate professor at the College of Life Science of Jiangsu Normal University.

Moorhens are a coot-like member of the rail species with apparent economic and research value in China. According to police, the villagers were caught with 700 moorhens packed in crates and ready for sale in Guangzhou, China.

How in the world did they capture so many? Police say a villager downloaded moorhen courtship sounds to his MP3 player, which lured the birds into traps. That villager alone is thought to have made an estimated $4,803 (a nice sum in rural China) from illegal sales prior to his arrest.

It's a stark reminder that when monetary value is assigned to wild game, disaster ensues.

Latest

Local Legends Butch And Harold Lead
Local Legends Butch And Harold Lead

Local Legends: Why Butch and Harold Still Prowl the Big Woods

The experience of two Vermont hunters shows it’s never too late to find a new hunting partner.

Non-Toxic Shot Roundup

Contributor Mike Roux discusses the ins and outs of non-toxic shot with his audience.

First Look: Garmin GPSMAP 67 and eTrex SE Handheld GPS Units

Whether you want a high-tech hunting device that’s loaded with sophisticated features or simply need an easy-to-use GPS to avoid getting lost in the woods, Garmin’s new handhelds have you covered.

Henry Repeating Arms Donates $25,000 to Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever

Henry Repeating Arms has announced a donation of $25,000 to Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever as part of its $1 million silver anniversary pledge and the company’s commitment to safeguarding America’s outdoors and hunting traditions.

Hardware: CVA Cascade XT

The new XT (X-Treme) is CVA’s precision-oriented rifle in the company’s popular Cascade rifle series, and boasts several features that make it an ideal multipurpose hunting rifle. 

Recipe: Antelope Kofta Kebab

Contributor Brad Fenson finds a good game replacement for lamb with his antelope kofta kebabs.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.