Urban Hunting Violations: Cities Need an Anonymous Reporting System
This season, a troubling encounter reminded us why safety and accountability must go hand in hand. An archer in our area admitted to hunting from a ground-level blind a direct violation of Joplin’s urban hunting terms, which require hunters to be elevated at least 10 feet. When my neighbor questioned him, the archer made it clear he knew where we lived. That’s when the conversation shifted from concern to fear. My neighbor told me we couldn’t report him. Not because it wasn’t wrong but because retaliation felt like a real possibility. This is exactly why Joplin needs an anonymous reporting system for urban hunting violations. Residents should be able to: Share safety concerns without fear Report violations of hunting terms Document suspicious or illegal activity Help protect pets, children, and neighbors All without putting themselves at risk. A simple website with no name required could make all the difference. It would empower re...