poaching – Page 5 – Syndication Server

Poachers ‘stealing’ wildlife remains a troubling issue in Utah

Wildlife authorities in Utah this week revealed that more than 1,000 wild animals were killed illegally in 2021, marking the continuation of a troubling trend.

According to the state’s Division of Wildlife Resources, hunters and anglers last year illegally harvested 1,153 animals with an estimated value of $6,100.

It was at least the third consecutive year in which the number of poached wildlife increased.

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Deer topped the list, with 180 deer, including 34 “trophy” bucks, having been killed illegally.

Elk (113, including18 trophy bull elk) were the second most targeted species.

Also on the the list: 17 mountain lions, 11 bears, five moose, one bighorn sheep, and 374 fish.

“The remaining illegally killed wildlife include a variety of small game animals, waterfowl and a variety of other wildlife species,” the DWR stated in a news release issued Wednesday.

In 2020, 1,079 animals worth an estimated $387,000 were killed illegally in Utah. In 2019, 1,065 animals worth $384,000 were poached.

In 2021, the state issued 4,394 citations and suspended the hunting or fishing privileges of 48 people. The suspension figure was up from 2020 (35), but down significantly from 2019 (84).

Said DWR Capt. Chad Bettridge: “Each animal that is illegally killed in our state is one less animal for legal hunters, wildlife enthusiasts and everyday residents to enjoy. Poachers steal our ability to enjoy Utah’s wildlife.”

–Elk image courtesy of ©Pete Thomas

Hunter hit with fines, suspensions for poaching bighorn sheep

A Montana resident has been fined more than $5,000 for illegally killing a bighorn sheep and leaving the meat to waste.

Harold Horine, 45, shot the bighorn sheep ram on Nov. 22 in the Highland Mountains. A witness contacted Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks after discovering the abandoned carcass.

Horine later told FWP wardens that he mistook the sheep for an elk.

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In a news release issued Wednesday, FWP stated that Horine pleaded guilty in Madison County Justice Court on Dec. 7. Charges included hunting without a valid license, unlawful possession of a game animal, hunting on private land without permission, and waste of a game animal.

Horine, who is from Deer Lodge, was ordered to pay $5,245 in fines and restitution. Additionally, his hunting, fishing and trapping privileges were suspended for two years.

–Bighorn sheep image courtesy of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Oregon seeks public’s help after killing of bald eagle

Authorities in Oregon are asking the public for help identifying the person or persons responsible for killing a state-protected bald eagle.

The Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife Division issued a news release Tuesday explaining that the bald eagle carcass was discovered by a citizen Nov. 30 in Cox Butte west of Junction City.

“Bald Eagles and other raptors are protected in Oregon,” OSP Fish & Wildlife stated. “They commonly inhabit the Willamette Valley and are an important part of the wildlife ecosystem. It is illegal to harass, injure or kill a Bald Eagle.”

OSP Fish & Wildlife Troopers are seeking the public’s assistance in the identification of the person(s) responsible for killing a Bald Eagle in the Junction City area: https://t.co/MzCajCAx97 #StopPoaching pic.twitter.com/pPKuwvKXMP

— OSP Fish & Wildlife (@OSP_Fish) December 14, 2021

The agency is asking citizens to call its tip line at 1-800-452-7888, or to reach out via text or email if they possess information related to the investigation.

Penalties for killing a bald eagle in Oregon include a maximum fine of $6,500 and up to a year in jail, plus an additional $5,000 in damages.

–Bald eagle image courtesy of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Florida deer, alligator poaching case described as ‘shocking’

Wildlife officials in Florida have charged four people with multiple poaching-related violations after social media posts turned up “shocking” evidence against the suspects.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announced Thursday that its officers obtained warrants for the suspects’ social media accounts and discovered images and videos showing illegally harvested deer and alligators from Nov. 2020 through September 2021.

The evidence helped officers determine dates and locations of the suspected poaching activities. The suspects booked into the Dixie County Jail.

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“The scope of the illegal activity is shocking and shows complete disregard for our shared natural resources,” stated Maj. Scott Lee, commander of the FWC’s North Central Region. “I appreciate the dedication of our officers for their diligence with this case in bringing these individuals to justice.”

The case will be prosecuted by the State Attorney’s Office for the Third Judicial Circuit.

The FWC listed the suspects’ names and the charges they face:

Jerrell Austin Clyatt Everett (DOB:08/07/2001) of Old Town, Florida:

–Five counts possession of deer in closed season 379.404(1). –Six counts possession of antlerless deer 379.404(3). –Three counts of taking/possession of alligator 379.409(1). –One count of taking deer by illegal method 68A-12.002(3)(b)2.

Kasen David Brown (DOB: 09/26/2002) of Cross City, Florida:

–Four counts of possession of deer in closed season 379.404(1). –Two counts of taking/possession of alligator 379.409(1).

Kayla Mckenzie Kline (DOB: 07/07/2003) of Old Town, Florida:

–Three counts possession of deer in closed season 379.404(1).

Keaton Aaron Brown (DOB: 07/22/2002) of Old Town, Florida:

–Three counts possession of deer in closed season 379.404(1).

–Two counts possession of antlerless deer 379.404(3).

–One count of shooting deer from roadway/right of way 68A-4.008.

–One count take deer by illegal method 68A-12.002(3)(b)2.

–One count taking deer after hours 68A-12.002(2).

–Two counts discharging firearm from roadway/right of way 790.15(1).

–One count of discharging firearm from vehicle within 1,000 feet of another person 790.15(2).

Things go from bad to worse for man caught poaching salmon

It might have seemed as though things couldn’t get worse for a man who was cited by different wardens for catching salmon in different closed areas on the same day recently.

It might have seemed as though things couldn’t get worse for a man who was cited by different officers for catching salmon in different closed areas on the same day recently.

But as announced Friday by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Police, after receiving his second citation the man wrecked his automobile on a nearby highway.

“After such a bad-luck day, the subject may reconsider poaching in Pierce and Mason County streams,” the WDFWP stated in a news release.

The man was one of three anglers “blatantly violating” regulations by fishing in a closed Minter Creek hatchery zone established to protect vulnerable salmon as they migrate toward spawning grounds and through narrow hatchery intake areas.

The man tried to flee but was caught by “Officer Summit” and cited along with the other individuals. Nine salmon were seized as evidence.

When Officer Summit submitted his report later that morning he discovered that the man had been cited for a similar violation near Hoodsport about 90 minutes after receiving his first citation.

Officer Jewitt, who issued the second citation, noticed that the man had marked his salmon catch record card with fish he caught from Minter Creek. These cards must be filled out by anglers to help biologists monitor fish populations.

According to the WDFWP, the man told Officer Jewitt that he had given those salmon away when, in fact, they had been seized by Officer Summit because they were caught illegally in a closed area.

The WDFWP stated: “After being contacted and cited by two fish and wildlife officers on two different closed waterbodies, the individual wrecked his vehicle on Hwy 101 near Potlatch.”

The agency did not mention whether the man had been injured in the crash.

–Image courtesy of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Police

Domestic violence call leads to multiple deer-poaching charges

A Michigan man previously convicted of illegally killing white-tailed deer faces 15 new charges after the discovery of nine poached bucks in a Decatur barn.

Police responding to a domestic violence complaint on Oct. 17 spotted the deer and tipped off the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

The DNR determined that the deer belonged to Justin Ernst, 33, a convicted felon who is suspected of killing the deer while scouting from his truck and illegally shooting the bucks with the aid of a spotlight.

DNR Conservation Officers Matt Page and Tyler Cole seized eight trophy bucks on Oct. 17. Two days later, a day after Ernst was arrested following the domestic violence complaint, Page discovered another freshly dead buck in the barn.

The homeowner allowed Page and Cole to conduct searches on both dates.

Antlers seized as evidence. Photo: Michigan DNR

On Oct. 20, Conservation Officers executed a search warrant and discovered two shotguns and a crossbow, and a bloody crossbow bolt from the bed of Ernst’s truck. Officers also found a handheld spotlight under the driver’s seat.

Ernst, who was arranged Nov. 9 in 7th District Court in Paw Paw, could be ordered to pay $59,500 in restitution. His next court appearance is Dec. 20.

In 2018, Ernst was convicted of illegally harvesting and possessing white-tailed deer. His felony record includes possession of methamphetamine, fleeing a police officer, and a third strike for driving under the influence of alcohol.

White-tailed deer. Photo: US Fish & Wildlife Service

Lt. Gerald Thayer of the Michigan DNR Law Enforcement Division stated in a Thursday news release:

“It’s a shame that this criminal ruined the chance for ethical, legal hunters to have their opportunity to take one of these trophy deer. Not only did this felon steal from the natural resource, he also damaged agriculture crops, and has been doing so for some time.”

Among the charges against Ernst are two counts of firearm possession by a felon; two felony firearms violations; hunting with a revoked license, and nine counts of illegal deer harvest.

The nine bucks included five with 10 antler points, a nine-pointer, and three eight-pointers.

After shooting decoy, charges pile up for suspected deer poachers

Three individuals were arrested in Massachusetts recently after officers observed one of them shooting a deer decoy from inside a vehicle after legal hunting hours on private property.

Three individuals were arrested in Massachusetts after officers observed one of them shooting a deer decoy from inside a vehicle after legal hunting hours on private property.

The Massachusetts Environmental Police stated in a news release that officers on patrol in the Templeton/Phillipston area saw a vehicle spotlight illuminating the woods before one of the individuals shot the decoy with a crossbow.

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“Realizing it was a decoy, the vehicle attempted to flee but was subsequently stopped by Officers,” MEP said of the Nov. 11 incident. “Officers then observed deer legs within the truck bed in plain view.

“Three individuals in the vehicle, including the operator, were arrested. Through the interview process, it was reported that additional deer had been taken illegally.”

Officers seized the crossbow as evidence and impounded the vehicle.

The individuals were arraigned Monday on charges that include firing of a crossbow within 150 feet of a road; illegal hunting with a crossbow; hunting with the aid of a vehicle; hunting with artificial light; hunting after hours; tagging violations, and hunting on public land without permits.

Massachusetts Environmental Police added that additional charges stemming from violations in another state “are forthcoming.”

–White-tailed deer image is generic

Florida men jailed after illegal lobster stash found on boat

Three commercial fishermen were arrested Saturday after authorities in the Florida Keys discovered more than 100 undersized lobster tails stashed in their vessel.

Three commercial fishermen were arrested Saturday after authorities in the Florida Keys discovered more than 100 undersized lobster tails stashed aboard their vessel.

The bust occurred as the men began to offload their catch to a buyer, who also was cited.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) stated Tuesday that a search of the vessel ensued after officers spotted eight undersize lobsters during the offloading process.

Below deck, in a five-gallon bucket, were 129 wrung spiny Florida lobster tails, including 127 from undersize lobsters.

The buyer, on land, was found in possession of four undersize mangrove snapper and two live Queen Conch.

WSVN News identified the fishermen as Elmis Ruiz Recano, Blas Ismar Santos Pompa and Amaury Abreu Gonzalez.

They were jailed and charged with misdemeanor counts of possessing wrung spiny Florida lobster tails on the water, and possession of undersized lobster. Additionally, each was charged with a felony count of possession of 100-plus undersized spiny Florida lobster.

Suspected poacher likely killed by elephant in South African reserve

A suspected poacher appears to have been killed by an elephant in South Africa’s vast Kruger National Park.

The park announced via Twitter that the body of the suspect was discovered Thursday in the Stolznek district as a result of an “intelligence-driven” search.

“Initial investigations suspect that the deceased was killed by an elephant and left behind by his accomplices,” Kruger National Park stated. The park added that no animals had been killed in the area and that poaching of elephants for their ivory tusks will not be tolerated.

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“Criminals stand to lose their lives and freedom,” the park warned.

African elephants can weigh up to seven tons; their tusks can weigh more than 150 pounds apiece. The pachyderms are highly intelligent and this would not be the first instance of an elephant killing or injuring a poacher.

Kruger National Park, which spans more than 7,500 square miles, is home to more than 140 species of large mammals, including tusked elephants and rhinoceroses.

Deer decoys help nab poachers as Oregon’s hunting season begins

Oregon’s general buck deer-hunting season opened Saturday, and for law enforcement personnel that meant it was also open season on prospective poachers.

Oregon’s general buck deer-hunting season opened Saturday, and for law enforcement personnel that represented open season on prospective poachers.

Oregon State Police announced Wednesday that Fish & Wildlife Troopers deployed Wildlife Enforcement Decoys in rural Washington and Yamhill Counties over the weekend.

The deer decoys were placed within sight of roads at night, when hunting is illegal, and Troopers waited for the inevitable.

“On four occasions hunters stopped their vehicle in the public roadway and discharged firearms at the decoys,” OSP stated on Facebook. “The subjects were approximately 30 minutes, 45 minutes, 2 hours, and 3 hours outside of legal hunting hours.”

The state takes illegal hunting seriously, stating that “poaching is not only theft from the hunting community, but from Oregon.”

The subjects were cited for unlawful take of buck deer and their firearms were seized as evidence. They also face charges of hunting in prohibited areas – shooting deer from roads is illegal – and with the aid of artificial light.

The crimes are Class A misdemeanors, just below felony offenses. Punishments can include a three-year hunting-license suspension, forfeiture of evidence, court-mandated fines, loss of accrued preference points, restitution, and probation.

Additionally, under the Wildlife Violator Compact, hunters with suspended licenses cannot purchase licenses or tags in the 48 states that participate in the Compact.

“The Oregon State Police wants to educate hunters on the importance of lawful, ethical hunting,” OSP stated. “Rules developed by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to allow for fair-chase hunting ensure a stable population of wildlife not only for future generations of hunters but for all people in the state to enjoy as well.”

–Deer decoy image courtesy of Oregon State Police