In an infuriating turn of events, Virginia hunter William Custis Smith walked away with a mere slap on the wrist for killing over 20 bald eagles and hawks.
See the tweet below!
His sentenced punishment—a mere day in jail, probation, and a fine—can’t possibly deter future acts threatening our national symbol.
Smith pleaded guilty after his use of poisoned fish heads and pole traps killed numerous juvenile eagles and hawks.
The investigation kicked off in the 2023-24 waterfowl season on the Eastern Shore.
Authorities found a juvenile bald eagle carcass and resiliently uncovered these disturbing actions.
Conservation Police Master Officer Brian Bratton spearheaded the investigation.
Smith built a waterfowl impoundment on his Virginia property, attempting to attract ducks.
Smith justified his illegal actions as protection measures for the ducks.
Smith had ventured into these murky waters before. He “was very aware it was illegal, but in his mind, the ends justified the means,” according to Bratton.
The culprit was hardly repentant, openly admitting his goal to decimate these natural predators.
The Chesapeake region faced previous issues with carbofuran, a banned pesticide detected in the carcasses.
The federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act prohibits actions menacing these majestic birds.
Smith’s admission and the discovery ended a two-year investigation by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.
The damage was done—a camera caught haunting footage of birds struggling before their demise.
Lab tests confirmed poisonings, underscoring the urgent need for tougher enforcement.
Smith exploited weak oversight, reflecting an outdated mindset that threatens ecological balance.
No deterrent seems mighty enough with only a $9,800 fine burdening Smith.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service authorities hope this conclusion hints at stricter future measures.
In contrast, his actions near protected areas scream for a reevaluation of wildlife protection priorities.
The government may not have fully realized the eco-importance of apex predators such as these birds.
As some experts voice, tougher penalties and resilient conservation strategies are long overdue.
Virginia hunter gets single day in prison for killing 20 juvenile bald eagles and hawks in poisoning scheme: authorities https://t.co/UFxmmGdkU8 pic.twitter.com/dnfcu3L8Nc
— New York Post (@nypost) June 4, 2025
