One important
phone call was all that was necessary to apprehend 68 people who shot more than their
legal limit of pheasants. State Game, Fish and Parks officials apprehended the
individuals after receiving a call on the department's Turn In Poachers (TIPs) hotline.
The incident occurred near Kimball. Conservation Officers Steve Rossow, Lee Leuning, Jack
Freidel, Jerry Heismeyer, Pat Callahan and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Agent Bob Prieksat
investigated the incident. The officers seized 118 pheasants from the guides
cleaning facility.The non-resident hunters came from various areas of the United States,
Canada and France. The guide allowed the hunters to kill nine pheasants over a two-day
period, which is three birds over the legal limit.
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The guide illegally accounted
for the extra birds by putting his name, his wife’s name and his children’s name
on the extra birds, without any of them actively hunting any of the birds. Eleven of the
non-residents were arrested for possessing three birds over their limit and paid
a fine of $179.50 each for a total of $1,974.50. A total of 68 people were charged
for a total fine of $19,427.50. The guide and the coordinator of
the non-resident group were each charged with a federal crime of
aiding and abetting and paid a fine of $300 each. The guide also paid a fine of $53 for
improper public storage. Through the officers' investigation, an additional 56
non-resident hunters were arrested for overbagging. Each was charged with a federal Lacy
Act law violation, and will pay $300 each for a total of $16,800. If anyone sees or hears
of any wildlife violations, simply call the TIPs line at 1-800-592-5522 or their local
conservation officer. It may be the biggest call you will ever make. Callers will remain
completely anonymous and can get a cash reward. |
