Steve
Since you know him than you are aware of his accomplishments in the Hunting world, which are substantial. You also know that, at his age and physical condition, he would not be very likely to slog around in the Muskeg for days hunting Moose on foot.
Be that as it may it is interesting to wonder why the Government is prosecuting something that happens a lot when there is no interest from the Country in which it happened.
Some speculation rests on Tom Riley. In his position he would have been the person to make the call on prosecution of another hunter for doing the same thing if the trophies were brought in through Atlanta. Perhaps USF&W needed an example?
Another thought is his close ties to the Bush White house may have been too much temptation for colleagues whom he disagreed with to pass up. They caught him red handed doing what he was supposed to be protecting wildlife from. By getting convictions on Kern and or the other Gentleman they could get to him.
Another Hunter did a similar thing in Mozambique. Shot a large Ele out of a Chopper. A $25,000 donation to the local Governor's Hospital Project and a permit was issued retroactively. End of case.
