Pennsylvania Pulls Welcome Mat Back From Poachers – Digital Journal
September 7, 2010
PR Newswire
HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 7
HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe said, starting today, the Commonwealth has begun to reverse its reputation of being a state with minimal risks for chronic poachers as new penalties – including higher fines and possible jail time – go into effect.
“Some chronic or commercial poachers considered Pennsylvania’s previous fines as merely a ‘cost of doing business,’” Roe said. “However, the Pennsylvania General Assembly and Gov. Rendell – with the support of the Game Commission and law-abiding hunters and trappers – pulled the welcome mat back from those who would consider poaching Pennsylvania wildlife when they enacted a law establishing a new slate of fines and penalties for those convicted of various poaching-related offenses.”
Act 54 of 2010 was introduced as House Bill 1859, and sponsored by House Game and Fisheries Committee Chairman Edward G. Staback. The bill was approved by the House on July 21, 2009, by a vote of 196-3. The Senate, after making minor adjustments to the bill, approved the measure unanimously on July 3, 2010, followed by a 189-6 concurrence vote in the House also on July 3, which sent the bill onto Gov. Rendell, who signed it on July 9.
“We want to thank Rep. Staback for his hard work and diligence in getting House Bill 1859 through the system,” Roe said. “It was not an easy task, but a needed one.
“Increasing penalties for serious violations is one of the operational objectives within the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Strategic Plan. This marks the first comprehensive piece of legislation to increase Game and Wildlife Code penalties since 1987, and we believe it will significantly enhance wildlife protection in the Commonwealth, especially since this marks the first time that some poachers could actually face prison time for their actions.”
Rep. Staback noted that, from Day One, when he first sat down with Carl Roe to talk about putting an anti-poaching bill together, he wanted the penalties to be so tough that they would become a deterrent, keeping people from committing the crime in the first place.
“I wanted that shooter to know that he faces high fines and jail time for breaking wildlife laws, not just a slap on the wrist like before,” Rep. Staback said. “After three years of effort, working side by side with the Game Commission, the new laws on the book treat poachers and black marketers just as they are – criminals who deserve the stiff penalties that they now will face in the court of law.”
Roe noted that, before the passage of this bill, a poacher could kill every big game animal – which includes deer, elk, bear and turkey – in Pennsylvania and the penalty was the legal equivalent of a traffic ticket with no possibility of jail time.
“Under this legislation, those convicted of killing five or more big game animals, or three big game poaching offenses within seven years, will face possible felony-level penalties ranging from $1,000 to up to $15,000, loss of license privileges for 15 years, and up to three years in prison,” Roe said. “In fact, even the poaching of a single deer now carries a minimum of a $1,000 fine and up to 90 days in jail, with five years license revocation.
“This is an enormous step forward in creating deterrence to poaching. It treats the theft of wildlife, which is what poaching is, similar to the theft of anything else in regards to punishment, and ultimately enhancing the protection of the Commonwealth’s wildlife resource.”
As examples of how the new law would be applied, Rich Palmer, Game Commission Bureau of Wildlife Protection director, noted that a case from last December in which two individuals who went on a two-day poaching spree that resulted in at least eight dead deer were liable for up to $6,400 in fines and three years of hunting license revocations. Under the new law, for committing the same offense a violator would be looking at up to $15,000 in fines, up to three years in jail, and up to 15 years of license revocation.
In another example, two individuals were found guilty of killing a black bear out of season last year. They were each charged with committing a summary offense, with fines up to $1,500 and three years license revocation. Anyone caught committing the same crime now is facing a misdemeanor offense with fines up to $3,000, up to six months imprisonment, and five years of hunting license revocation.
The new law also includes heightened penalties for the buying and selling of game; increased fines for summary offenses, such as using unlawful methods or devices; increased penalties for the killing of threatened or endangered species; and increased jail time for non-payment of fines from 120 days to six months.
“For the person who jacklights a couple of deer, kills a bear to sell its gall bladder or claws, or goes on a killing spree for some twisted reason, Pennsylvania’s wildlife protection laws now for the first time include felonies and misdemeanors that fit the crime,” Rep. Staback said. “Sportsmen are the most vocal group demanding tough treatment of poachers because they know that not only does poaching deplete a resource, it gives a black eye to the sport that we all enjoy and respect.”
Roe noted that a second bill, Senate Bill 1200, would complete the state’s effort to discourage would-be poachers from committing their crimes in Pennsylvania. SB 1200 is Senate Game and Fisheries Committee Chairman Richard Alloway’s measure to enroll Pennsylvania in the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact. This bill passed the Senate unanimously on March 23, 2010, and presently is awaiting a final vote in the House of Representatives.
“By having Pennsylvania part of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, anyone convicted of poaching-related offenses in Pennsylvania also would lose their hunting privileges in other IWVC-member states,” Roe said. “Similarly, those convicted of poaching-related offenses in other IWVC-member states would not be able to lawfully hunt in Pennsylvania.”
Given the variations of hunting laws from state to state, SB 1200 spells out the specific hunting violations that would place someone who loses their hunting privileges in another state on the Pennsylvania list of ineligible license buyers. This list also represents the only violations committed in Pennsylvania that will be added to the IWVC database. Those specific offenses listed in Senate Bill 1200 include: unlawfully using lights to take wildlife; buying and selling game; hunting or furtaking under the influence of drugs or alcohol; shooting at or causing injury to a human; counterfeiting, altering or forging a license or tag; committing violations related to threatened or endangered species; assaulting/interfering or causing bodily injury to a Wildlife Conservation Officer; hunting or furtaking while on revocation; and illegally taking or possessing big game in closed season. The list also would include those convicted of other wildlife crimes classified as fourth-degree summaries or greater, such as road hunting, if there are two convictions within a 24-month period.
“Enactment of these two bills will go a long way toward closing Pennsylvania’s borders to those who have proven themselves to be unrepentant poachers,” Roe said. “House Bill 1859 already has been enacted. The second bill, Senate Bill 1200, is nearing the finish line, and I urge our state legislators to enact this bill to improve the Game Commission’s ability to protect wildlife.
“Also, I thank the many sportsmen’s organizations for once again standing up for wildlife and for law-abiding and ethical hunters and trappers for supporting these two measures.”
With the increased penalties and the possibility of Pennsylvania soon joining the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, Roe noted that there is yet a third reason that poachers need to be wary of perpetuating their illegal practices in Pennsylvania: the general public.
“The Game Commission is noticing a renewed ‘we’re-not-going-to-take-it-anymore’ attitude from concerned residents and law-abiding hunters who are taking the initiative to report what they are seeing and hearing, and we applaud them for their efforts,” Roe said. “Calls and e-mails to our Turn-In-a-Poacher (TIP) Hotline have increased and resulted in several solid convictions. In fact, some of the information is so overwhelming that defendants simply pled guilty rather than having the embarrassment of going to court to try and defend their indefensible actions.
“The bottom line is that Pennsylvania will no longer be walked on – like a welcome mat – by those who abuse their hunting and trapping privileges in our state or other states.”
Note to Editors: If you would like to receive Game Commission news releases via e-mail, please send a note with your name, address, telephone number and the name of the organization you represent to: PGCNews@state.pa.us
SOURCE Pennsylvania Game Commission
via Pennsylvania Pulls Welcome Mat Back From Poachers – Press Release – Digital Journal.
Poached Ohio trophy buck costs Johnny Clay of Minford, Ohio record $23,572 in restitution | cleveland.com
May 11, 2010
By D’Arcy Egan, The Plain Dealer
Johnny Clay, 37, of Minford, Ohio is no stranger to southern Ohio wildlife officials, cited for 10 deer hunting violations over the years. The huge trophy deer he illegally killed in September, 2009, set a Buckeye standard when Clay was ordered Friday to pay $23,572 in restitution in Adams County Court.The deer’s trophy antlers measured 197 2/8 inches according to Boone & Crockett 
Club guidelines, the largest typical white-tailed deer harvested in North American in 2009. It would have ranked fourth in Ohio’s Buckeye Big Buck Club standings. It is now the property of the Division of Wildlife.Clay pled guilty to taking a deer out of season, hunting property without the landowner’s permission and a failure to have a valid hunting license or deer permit.A confidential informant contacted wildlife officers Chris Rice and Chris Gilkey last March, said district law enforcement supervisor Dave Brown. Clay had checked the Adams County deer in Kentucky, reporting it as a legal kill during the Kentucky archery season, but trail camera photos revealed it was killed in Ohio.”It was the largest amount of restitution we’d ever sought,” said Brown. Clay, who has served jail time for deer violations in the past, was also fined $1,500, forfeited his bow to the state and lost his hunting privileges for life. Ohio is a member of the 34-state Wildlife Violator’s Compact, which makes it illegal for Clay to hunt in all of those states.
Reward Offered For Information On Weekend Poaching Of Three Elk In Bell County
November 18, 2009
Frankfort, Ky. – Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife law enforcement officers are seeking information about the weekend poaching of three young bull elk in Bell County and are offering a reward for the information.
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Dr. Jon Gassett has authorized a reward up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons who shot and killed the three elk Saturday on top of Redbird Mountain, located off KY 66.
State Fish and Wildlife officers say witnesses saw an elk fall, then spotted two more dead elk as they approached the first animal. The witnesses also saw two other persons approach the downed elk, then turn and leave the area.
The officers immediately opened an investigation and recovered several pieces of evidence, including ballistic evidence.
Persons with information are encouraged to contact Bell County state conservation officer Sgt. Ray Lawson at (606) 499-3520, or the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife poaching hotline at 1-800- 25-ALERT.
Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources – Two Christian County Poachers Caught After Nearly A Year
November 18, 2009
Frankfort, Ky. – Resolute determination and a timely tip from a local citizen helped Christian County Conservation Sgt. James Nason close a deer poaching case last week, just three days before the statue of limitations on the charges would have expired.
Two Christian County men entered guilty pleas Monday, Nov. 16, in Christian District Court to charges related to killing a deer on the day prior to the 2008 firearms season opener and then Telechecking it one day later as if it were a legal kill.
Chris Brown, 28, of Hopkinsville, and his father-in-law, Sammy Gilliam, 55, of Pembroke, pleaded guilty in the poaching of a Boone and Crockett Club trophy class white-tailed buck. Brown admitted poaching the deer out of season and then illegally Telechecking it a day later, while Gilliam pleaded guilty to assisting Brown after the kill.
Telecheck is a system used by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife for hunters to report their game harvest by telephone.
Nason said he had been aware of the poaching for quite some time. But it was information he received from a community member during last month’s muzzleloader deer season that allowed him to seek arrest warrants for Brown and Gilliam.
Brown and Gilliam each paid fines and court costs of $409. In addition, Brown received a 30-day jail sentence that was probated for two years. He also forfeited his deer rifle, the mounted deer and was stripped of his hunting privileges for two years. Gilliam lost his hunting privileges for one year.
Wisconsin authorities visit Facebook to find evidence of illegal deer hunting | Los Angeles Times
September 23, 2009
Shining deer, or placing a light on them at night and shooting them, is one of the most cowardly forms of hunting, er, poaching.
It’s illegal for a glaringly obvious reason: Deer freeze in spotlights or car headlights and, thus, are extremely vulnerable and can be shot at close range.
Fortunately for authorities, poachers of wildlife aren’t known for their smarts. Case in point: Adam M. Frame, 25, and Dustin J. Porter, 24, of Sullivan, Wis., have landed in hot water after Frame allegedly posted a video of deer-shining exploits on Facebook.
Authorities with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel it was its first-ever arrest based on a Facebook video.
Frame reportedly stated in the criminal complaint that he and Porter were driving to Sullivan from a tavern when they spotted deer. Frame added that Porter said he wanted to go home, get his rifle, and use it to shoot deer.
Frame later posted this message on Facebook: “I just posted a video from us hunting at 4 a.m. drunk in a subdivision with my headlight lighting it up.”
Frame and Porter were charged in April with one misdemeanor count each of shining, and being party to a crime for the 2007 incident. Frame, as part of a plea agreement, pleaded guilty last month to shining while in possession of a firearm. His fine amounts to a slap on the wrist, however: $354.
The case against Porter is pending.
– Pete Thomas
Hunting scheme targeted elderly property owners | Mansfield News Journal
March 29, 2009
Cincinnati.com • March 29, 2009
ADAMS COUNTY — There were track marks of four-wheel drives. Piles of dead deer.
And sometimes late at night, Evelyn Butts would look out the window at her 100-acre property and see lights flickering in the woods.
None of that made sense – until authorities began investigating a Sharonville man for a wildlife scheme in Adams County that netted more than $80,000 from dozens of hunters and took advantage of elderly property owners.
“I’m angry, disgusted and annoyed,” Butts said. “I’m a 73-year-old lady, and you better bet I’m not gonna sit on this. Oh my goodness – I feel violated.”
Butts, like many others in rural Adams County, owns property that stretches into the woods and well beyond the line of sight from her home. She is one of at least half a dozen property owners who recently discovered that a stranger had been leading hunters onto their property in search of deer and turkey.
That stranger, investigators say, is Joseph Todd Payne, who faces several wildlife charges that are third- and fourth-degree misdemeanors. More charges are pending. He is scheduled to appear in Adams County Court in April.
Payne allegedly charged hunters $1,200 to $1,500 for five-day deer and turkey hunts on land he didn’t own. The 30-year-old helped start a company called Lethal Impact Outfitters, which provides deer and turkey hunting guide services. The company’s Web site touts “trophy class whitetails” and more than 2,000 acres of “private low-pressure” hunting in Jackson and Adams counties.
Payne’s business, which was in operation for several years, wasn’t short on customers.
“It’s a growing industry,” said Joel Buddelmeyer, investigator with the Ohio Division of Wildlife. “There’s a lot of money to be made, especially with out-of-state hunters from Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina. We have bigger and better deer here.”
Payne’s alleged scheme didn’t land on the radar until last January, when a property caretaker noticed several people hunting. The hunters said they paid Payne to hunt there and showed written permission slips issued by Lethal Impact Outfitters.
An undercover investigation revealed several parcels of land being used.
A search warrant was issued earlier this month on Payne’s Sharonville home, where authorities confiscated computers, journals, records and receipts.
Most of the property owners, such as Helen Haverland, 83, do not live on the land. Haverland said her land is used for farming and is usually unregulated. She said she allowed hunting on her property years ago but has since posted signs that forbid it.
Butts also has “no trespassing” signs and said part of her land is fenced, but there’s no way for her to regulate so many acres.
“It makes me angry to think that people profit from bringing other people into my property,” Butts said. “It makes me so angry. They don’t pay my taxes. They have no right to be here, and to think they’ve made a profit off of it.”
Hundreds of acres of open land in Adams County go without watch, she said.
No license is required to be a hunting guide, and the only way for wildlife officers to know someone has trespassed is through public complaint, Buddelmeyer said.
“We’re getting more and more deer guides in Ohio, and the Division of Wildlife doesn’t have any regulations on them,” he said.
Butts isn’t sure what she’ll do to protect her land.
“You can’t put up a fence around 100 acres of land, and they won’t stay out because of a trespassing sign,” she said. “I never know who’s back there.”
via Hunting scheme targeted elderly property owners | mansfieldnewsjournal.com | Mansfield News Journal.
Troopers get jail, fines – Cheboygan, MI – Cheboygan Daily Tribune
March 3, 2009
By Mike Fornes
Cheboygan Daily Tribune
Cheboygan, Mich. -
Two Michigan State Police Troopers from the Cheboygan Post went to jail Friday after being sentenced for poaching deer while on duty.
Jeff Hadley and Don Bolen will also pay hefty fines, lose their hunting privileges until 2013 and serve 100 hours of community service time apiece.
Cheboygan County 89th District Court Judge Maria Barton sentenced Bolen to two days in jail with credit for one day served. Hadley, who fired his own hunting rifle to shoot a buck Nov. 12 while on patrol off Mograin Road in Benton Township, received a four-day jail sentence with credit for one day served.
“I would like to apologize to the court and to my family,” Bolen said before sentence was passed. His attorney, Michael Hackett, described the poaching incident as “a life-altering event; a career-altering event.”
“You broke the law while on duty, in uniform and while in a police vehicle as you were being paid by Michigan taxpayers to enforce the law,” Barton told Bolen. “This case violates the public’s trust. It is important for the community to know that everyone is accountable.”
Hadley’s attorney, Joseph Kwiatkowski, pointed out his client’s military service and two lifesaving incidents involving Hadlley diving into water to rescue a victim and entering a burning building to save the life of a firefighter Click link below for full stroy
via Troopers get jail, fines – Cheboygan, MI – Cheboygan Daily Tribune.
Officers Seek Information in the Deaths of Four Bull Elk in Leslie County
January 10, 2009
Frankfort, Ky. – Conservation Officers with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources are investigating the illegal shooting of four young Leslie County bull elk in the early morning hours last Sunday, Jan. 4. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is seeking information from anyone who may know details of the illegal shooting.
Sgt. Greg Watts said someone shot the three spike bulls and a young 4 x 4 bull elk near an older reclaimed strip mine near the community of Trace Branch just off KY 699, not far from Hyden and Hazard. The perpetrators left the elk to die.
Watts says ballistic evidence recovered at the scene is being analyzed. He requests that anyone with information about the crime to call the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife poaching hotline at 1 -800-25-ALERT (1-800-252-5378).
Two fined $12,988 for poaching trophy Ohio buck after dark in Ross County – Cleveland Sports News
November 18, 2008
Wildlife officer Bob Nelson displays a trophy white-tailed deer that was poached on Nov. 1 in Ross County. The men who spoltlighted and killed the deer just after midnight, Cary Posey and Kyle Kruger, paid almost $13,000 in restitution for the crime to the Ohio Division of Wildlife
The largest fine ever levied for killing a single white-tailed deer in Ohio was handed down to a pair of southern Ohio men who teamed to illegally kill a trophy buck after dark on Nov. 1. On Friday, the two paid a total of $12,988 under a new formula for poaching a trophy deer.
Cory Posey, 19, of South Salem, and Kyle Kruger, 20, of Washington Courthouse pled guilty in Chillicothe Municipal Court to killing the deer shortly after midnight on Nov. 1 in northwest Ross County. The deer was shot with a Ruger .30-06 high-powered rifle, an illegal deer-hunting weapon in Ohio. The pair also pled guilty to spotlighting, shooting a deer after legal hunting hours and killing more than the season bag limit of one antlered deer. Click link below for full story!
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