Being an avid sportsman for the better part of 25 years and enjoying what the state of Illinois has offered to the outdoor enthusiasts here in DeKalb County, I have a continuing concern over the utter failure of our current state’s attorney to vigorously prosecute gaming and boating violations here. Four years ago, as host of the top-rated radio program “Hunting in the Midwest,” I invited Ron Matekaitis to come on my show to discuss these issues that are of particular concern to all law-abiding hunters and fishermen. Mr. Matekaitis promised to devote his personal attention to ensuring that all gaming and boating laws would be sternly enforced. He has not followed through on this promise.

In DeKalb County, we have only two conservation police officers to cover the entire county. They do an outstanding job with the limited resources they have to ensure the protection of the public and the preservation of the environment. But after they make an arrest and send the matter to the state’s attorney’s office for prosecution, the offenders get off with hardly a slap on the wrist. It’s no wonder that the conviction rate in DeKalb County for gaming and boating violations ranks near the bottom. It’s an affront to all the sportsmen and sportswomen who obtain their licenses, pay all the appropriate fees and follow the rules of the outdoors to know that those who don’t get off without any consequences.

How many of you have seen game law violations and knew nothing was going to be done about it? That is exactly what is happening right now. I can’t tell you how many violations I have seen in the last three years at Shabbona State Park. Pick up a copy of the local paper and show me an arrest for deer poaching or catching a bucket of undersized bass. As hard as they try, the conservation officers cannot be everywhere at once.

We need someone in the state’s attorney’s office who understands these issues. I recently had Clay Campbell on my show, and I was impressed with his love of the outdoors and his commitment to ensuring strict compliance with all gaming and boating laws. He has some interesting ideas about getting youth more exposed to the outdoors to keep them off the streets and out of trouble. Our country is quickly being recognized as a destination spot for lovers of the outdoors. Once our resources have been depleted, they are gone forever. Make a difference and help this cause so that our grandchildren can enjoy the splendor of our surroundings. Thank you for supporting the great outdoors in DeKalb County and Clay Campbell for state’s attorney.

Christopher Bates

DeKalb resident

Host, “Hunting the Midwest”