Hunter harassment is against the law. And a woman in Alaska may soon learn that firsthand.

Janet Lopez of Juneau faces three counts of obstructing or hindering lawful hunting after intentionally and repeatedly honking her horn to scare a black bear away from three hunters.

According to the Juneau Empire, Lopez talked to the men, found out they were stalking a bear and then drove back and forth honking her vehicle horn on a nearby road until it ran away. Alaska law says a person may not intentionally obstruct or hinder another person’s lawful hunting, fishing, trapping or viewing of fish and game. Doing so may result in a misdemeanor with a fine of not more than $500 or no more than 30 days in jail, or both.

Alaska is not alone with such laws. Every state in the country has similar statutes in place.

Animal rights activists stepped up their harassment during the 1970s and 1980s by shadowing hunters, using airhorns, placing nails on access roads and even setting traps and poison intended for hunting dogs. Recognizing the significant role hunters play in helping biologists manage wildlife populations while also generating funding to support habitat and wildlife conservation, and bolstering the economy, states created laws to protect hunters, anglers and trappers.

In 1994, Congress included a provision in the Crime Bill making it illegal for anyone to intentionally engage in physical conduct that hinders a lawful hunt taking place on federal land. President Bill Clinton signed it into law.

About Hunt 2 Conserve

Hunt 2 Conserve is a 501(c)4 nonprofit organization affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Its mission is to advance a legacy of hunting and conservation by educating, activating and developing stewards and defenders of these fundamentally American ideals. For more information, go to hunt2conserve.org.