A report of possible poaching activity southeast of Pinedale Nov. 16 led to a high speed chase, a roll-over accident and two Salt Lake City men being charged for taking a trophy mule deer out of season.

Mid-morning Nov. 16, a concerned citizen reported suspicious behavior near the old town site of Big Sandy to Game Warden John Hyde. The citizen helped Hyde search the area on foot, and they found a mule deer carcass sporting a 5-by-5, 28-inch-wide antler rack laying behind a large rock.

Hyde put the scene under surveillance. At approximately 5 p.m. a pick-up truck arrived and dropped off an adult male. After the truck departed, Hyde notified Pinedale Game Warden Brian Nesvik and reported the man walked to the area of the deer before fleeing on foot after possibly being detected.

A few minutes later the truck returned to the scene. Hyde approached in his truck and told the occupants to pull off the road and exit the vehicle. The driver pulled to the side of the road and then fled at a high rate of speed. Hyde, the Lovell District game warden who was working the area for winter range mule deer surveillance, pursued the suspects westbound on the Eastfork-Big Sandy Road. With Nesvik close behind, the suspects reached speeds upward of 50 miles per hour on the winding gravel road and lost the flat bed trailer they were towing. Approximately 1 mile later, the suspects lost control of their vehicle at a corner and rolled several times. The game wardens said it was amazing the two were able to walk away from the accident with only minor cuts and scrapes. The men received treatment at the scene and refused to be transported to the hospital.

Nesvik obtained the cell phone number of the man originally dropped off near the deer carcass. The officer sent him a text message that his truck had been wrecked and to walk to the county road. The suspect complied by walking out to the county road near a residence.

With the help of the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office, the men, who had been working as subcontractors on commercial construction projects in the Pinedale and Lander area, were interviewed, arrested and transported to the Sublette County Jail at approximately 8 p.m.

Gregory L. Carter, 48, was charged with taking an antlered mule deer out of season, shooting from a vehicle and trespassing. Jeremy S. Zumwalt, 30, who was driving the pick-up, was charged as an accessory to the crime and interference with a peace officer. The officers suspect a .22-250 caliber rifle, a caliber not authorized for big game hunting in Wyoming, was used in the crime. The passenger of the vehicle was not charged.

Carter and Zumwalt were released from jail the evening of Nov. 18 after posting bond. Both suspects are scheduled to appear for arraignment on Dec. 13 in the Sublette County Circuit Court in Pinedale. The officers remind readers that all suspects are presumed innocent until convicted in a court of law.

Anyone with information about a wildlife violation is encouraged to call the Stop Poaching Hotline at (877) WGFD-TIP. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward if the information leads to a conviction.

Contact: Brian Nesvik (307) 360-7436 or 367-2470 or Jeff Obrecht (307) 777-4532

The Department of Fish and Game’s (DFG) new K-9 Program creates new tools in the fight against poaching while increasing California’s homeland security. A demonstration of the dogs’ abilities will be held for the media on Oct. 24, at 10 a.m. in the Yolo Basin Wildlife Area in Davis, parking lot C (inside the bypass).

“Our K-9s add depth to the abilities of our Game Wardens to stop criminal activities,” said Nancy Foley, DFG Enforcement Chief. “The dogs’ detection abilities will speed up searches while also providing protection for their handlers.”

Studies estimate that police service dogs can save as much as 800 personnel hours annually. With DFG’s Game Warden force stretched so thin, the dogs will make patrols that much more effective.

All of the DFG dogs will be trained in detecting quagga mussels, an invasive freshwater mussel that threatens California’s economy and environment. The dogs will also be able to detect ammunitions and associated odors, providing California with an additional level of homeland security. While some dogs will be detection only, others will also be trained to apprehend suspects as well.

Depending upon where the dogs are deployed, additional detection training will be given for: bear, bear galls, deer, fish, elk, abalone, and waterfowl.

“A dog’s scent ability has been estimated to be up to a million times stronger than humans,” said Lynette Shimek, K-9 handler and coordinator. “When dealing with something as small as quagga mussels or waterfowl hidden in the trunk of a vehicle, a dog will let us know quickly that something is not right.”

DFG plans to train up to 24 dogs. The first dog academy is set to begin in November and will consist of six dogs and handlers who will be trained in obedience and detection. In addition to standard patrol support, the dogs will be able to assist with searches for missing persons and suspects, assist in locating evidence like spent ammunition and hidden firearms, and more.

MEDIA DEMONSTRATION:

The demonstration will consist of an evaluation of a potential dog candidate, a vehicle and vessel search and apprehension by a trained dog, and opportunities to interview a handler, the trainer, and others involved with the program.

The demonstration starts at 10 a.m., Oct. 24 in the Yolo Basin Wildlife Area.

From Sacramento take I-80 toward San Francisco and exit County Road 32a. Go right at the stop sign, under the freeway. Turn left to go OVER the levee and into the basin. Follow the signs to lot C.

From San Francisco, take the Chiles Road exit. Go right and make a left at the first stop sign onto Chiles Road. Follow the road all the way to the levee, and make a right to go OVER the levee and into the basin. Follow the signs to lot C.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents arrested Henry L. Shavers, 39, of Monterey on Sept. 27, for alleged night hunting and drug violations.
Agents observed Shavers hunting from his vehicle with the aid of a spotlight for several minutes. When agents made contact with Shavers, a loaded .22 caliber rifle was found located on the passenger seat of the vehicle. Agents also located what allegedly appeared to be marijuana cigarettes and crystal methamphetamine.
Shavers was booked into jail at the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office for allegedly hunting wild quadrupeds during illegal hours, hunting from a moving vehicle, possessing marijuana and a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance crystal methamphetamine.
One Q-Beam, three rifles, four marijuana cigarettes and one foil ball allegedly containing crystal methamphetamine were seized as evidence.
Hunting wild quadrupeds during illegal hours and hunting from a moving vehicle both carry fines between $250 and $500, or jail time up to 90 days, or both plus court costs. The penalties for first offense possession of marijuana is a fine up to $500, jail for not more than six months, or both plus court costs. Possession of a schedule II CDS carries a fine up to $5,000, jail time between two and five years plus court costs.
Agents participating in the case were Agent Chris Hoag and Senior Agent Robbie Mayo.
For more information, contact Lt. Col. Keith LaCaze at 225-765-2988 or klacaze@wlf.louisiana.gov.

The Maryland Natural Resources Police conducted a saturation patrol for illegal hunting activity in southern Garrett County on Monday night that resulted in five individuals being charged with multiple hunting violations.
On October 2 at 9 p.m., NRP heard shots fired on Red Oak Road and moments later observed a vehicle driving and shining its light in a field located along the road. NRP stopped the vehicle and found it to be operated by Charles Leo Sisler, 24, of Oakland. Two juveniles, brothers ages 16 and 14, of Oakland were passengers in the vehicle. NRP found and seized as evidence a Remington bolt-action .243 caliber rifle, ammunition, empty ammunition casings and three knives from the vehicle.
Sisler was charged with casting the rays of an artificial light upon the fields and woodlands; hunting deer at night; hunting deer in closed season; possession of a loaded weapon in a vehicle; and hunting from a vehicle. The brothers were referred to the Department of Juvenile Services.
In a separate incident, at 10:40 p.m. NRP observed a vehicle shining lights in a field along Kempton Road. NRP stopped the vehicle operated by James Brian Reckart, 23, and passenger, Jason Wayne Winker, 27, both of Oakland. NRP found and seized as evidence a crossbow with a laser dot scope, bolts and two spotlights from the vehicle.
Reckart was charged with casting the rays of an artificial light upon the fields and woodlands; hunting deer at night; hunting from a vehicle; and consuming alcoholic beverage in passenger area of motor vehicle on highway. Winker was charged with casting the rays of an artificial light upon the fields and woodlands; hunting deer at night; and hunting from a vehicle.
The Maryland Natural Resources Police remind people that hunting at night is not only illegal, it is also unsafe. In addition, NRP encourage citizens to report illegal hunting activities by calling the Catch-a-Poacher 24-Hour Hotline at 1-800-635-6124. The anonymity of the caller is guaranteed.

The Colorado Division of Wildlife is asking for help solving a poaching crime northeast of Colorado Springs in the Black Forest. Wildlife officers found two antelope killed along Volmer Road. The shooting took place late Friday September 29 or early Saturday September 30.
Anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity, or has information about the case, is asked to contact Officer Albert Romero at 227-5287. Or they can call a toll-free poaching tip line 1-877-265-6648.
“Anyone who comes forward with information is eligible for a cash reward from the Division of Wildlife’s Operation Game Thief fund,” said Romero. He hopes that a passing motorist may have witnessed the shooting.
The Colorado Division of Wildlife urges people to call their local wildlife office whenever they have information about illegal hunting or fishing activities. Callers may remain anonymous, and Operation Game Thief offers rewards if information leads to someone being issued a citation. People who turn in poachers are eligible for preference points or a free hunting license for a future season.

PROVO — Charges were filed in Provo’s 4th District Court Thursday on Utah County residents Cory Brown and Kevin Cloward. Both men were charged with wanton destruction of protected wildlife, which is a third-degree felony, for the killing of 13 deer in Diamond Fork Canyon in Utah County last year.
Both men were also charged with a misdemeanor for discharging a firearm from a vehicle.
The poaching incident occurred on April 9, 2005 when the two suspects allegedly went on a killing spree. Thirteen deer were shot and left to rot.
Information regarding several dead deer in Diamond Fork Canyon was received from a concerned citizen on the Division of Wildlife Resources’ Help Stop Poaching Hotline on April 10.
After hearing of the poaching incident, several organizations offered reward money to help solve the case. The organizations included Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife, the Mule Deer Foundation, the Utah Bowmen’s Association, the Division of Wildlife Resources and a local business, Jakes Archery. The organizations contributed $4,500 towards a reward.
After distributing reward posters throughout the community, additional leads from the public assisted DWR conservation officers with the case over the following year. Search warrants were subsequently served on both of the suspects’ residences.
The Help Stop Poaching Hotline has been a critical part of solving many wildlife poaching cases throughout Utah. Twenty five to 30 percent of the poaching cases in Utah are generated by calls to the hotline. An average of 525 calls are received on the hotline every year.
The DWR encourages citizens to call the hotline at 1 662-DEER to report any information regarding wildlife-related crimes.

PINEDALE - Pinedale game wardens spent much of the Thanksgiving weekend investigating two multiple deer poaching cases and gave thanks in March and April to convictions received by two violators.
For a nighttime poaching spree Nov. 26-27 near Boulder claiming four mule deer bucks, Michael Benjamin Acuna, was assessed $17,000 in fines and restitution - plus sentenced to 2-3 years in the Wyoming State Penitentiary for being a felon in possession of a firearm when committing the crimes.
Acuna, 37, was convicted of one count of the “winter range statute” for taking an antlered deer out of season, two counts of wanton destruction of deer, one count of taking a deer out of season and one count of using artificial light to take a deer. He was also sentenced to 2.5 years in the Sublette County Jail to run concurrently with his prison term and had his hunting, fishing and trapping privileges revoked for 20 years.
During sentencing March 23, Sublette County Circuit Judge John Crow said the fines and restitution would be waved if a $5,500 donation to the Wyoming Wildlife Protector’s Association - administrator of the Stop Poaching Program - was made before the defendant’s future parole was ended.
District Court Judge Norman Young sentenced Acuna to the prison term for the felony charge on April 6.
Game wardens were first alerted to the Acuna case at 4 a.m. Nov. 27 while keeping the apartment of a suspect in another case under surveillance. The sheriff’s office was looking for a man who had trespassed into a Pinedale residence to sleep on a couch. The Wyoming Highway Patrol later located the suspect at a convenience store and notified the Game and Fish Department of a buck mule deer in the back of his truck. The suspect, Michael Acuna, was booked into the Sublette County Jail for being a felon in possession of a firearm and the out-of-season deer.
Around 3 p.m. Game Warden Herb Haley obtained a search warrant and inspected the truck. Acuna claimed the deer - although a mule deer - was shot in the Sheridan area where the whitetail season was still open. When confronted with receipts found in the vehicle that tied him to Pinedale for the last 24 hours, Acuna claimed the deer was then shot near South Pass, where the season was also closed.
A call received earlier that morning reporting two dead buck mule deer in the Burnt Lake area shed some light on Acuna’s South Pass alibi, but raised another question. Off-road tire tracks crisscrossing the sagebrush terrain at the scene matched the tread on Acuna’s vehicle, but a deer hide and gut pile found there were not from the deer in Acuna’s truck. In subsequent interviews, Acuna admitted to killing the Burnt Lake deer including another buck, which he field-dressed and skinned, before traveling about 6 miles to the Mesa area. During his travels, he encountered another bigger buck - with approximately 24-inch wide and heavier antlers - shot and loaded it, while discarding the skinned carcass from the previous location. Acuna later assisted the investigation by drawing officers a map to find the fourth deer.
Acuna told officers he drove to Pinedale from Jackson the previous day in his girlfriend’s pick-up and decided to shoot deer to help vent pent-up rage. The deer were shot in the head or neck from 30-60 yards with a friend’s 30.06 rifle.
“The poaching occurred in the middle of a large migration route used by thousands of deer to get to their winter range from the highly coveted Sublette Mule Deer herd,” said South Pinedale Game Warden Brian Nesvik. “In the one evening killing spree, in a violent rage and by his own admission heavily intoxicated, this man killed more buck mule deer than many Wyoming sportsman harvest in decades of hunting.”
Acuna was held in the Sublette County Jail until his girlfriend posted his $25,000 bond in late December. Following his April 6 district court appearance, Acuna was returned to the penitentiary in Rawlins where he previously served nearly 4 years for aggravated assault.
When the Acuna case unfolded, game wardens Haley, Nesvik and Brad Hovinga of Big Piney were on duty to investigate and arrest suspects in another case of poaching two mule deer. The result of that work were two Pinedale energy field workers being charged for their roles in poaching a buck and a doe Nov. 24 near Boulder and Fremont lakes.
Billy Joe Lyle, 46, was convicted April 6, 2006 of one count of wanton destruction and one count of accessory to taking a deer out of season. Judge Crow fined him $1460 and assessed $1,000 in restitution, revoked his hunting and fishing privileges for 6 years and ordered him to serve 60 days in the Sublette County Jail with all but six days suspended. The $1,000 restitution was waived for a $500 donation to the protector’s association.
Raymond G. Herring, 46, was charged with taking a deer out of season and accessory to taking a deer out of season. He left town before entering a plea and forfeited a $500 bond. A warrant has been issued for his arrest. Herring is a white male, 6 foot 1 inch, approximately 240 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes.
“The quick apprehension of these suspects and resolution of both of these cases would not have been possible without the assistance of County Attorney Ralph Boynton over the Thanksgiving weekend,” Nesvik said. “He was available when needed during the holiday to offer advice and guidance, including obtaining the search warrant, to help us build solid cases.”
An anonymous tip led officers to the pair and searches of Herring’s apartment and Lyle’s camp trailer yielding packages of venison and bloody butchering equipment. First Lyle and then Herring took officers to the crime scenes where the deer were shot with a .22 caliber rifle. The buck, which Lyle described as “pretty big” was not recovered.
Lyle, who works as a welder, lists his permanent residence as Queen City, Texas. Herring worked as a drill hand and had his truck registered in Hephzibah, Ga.
Anyone spotting Herring or has information about any other wildlife violation, is urged to call the Stop Poaching Hotline at 442-4331. Callers can remain anonymous and are eligible for a cash reward if the information leads to a conviction.

A Beckley taxidermist has been charged on several counts of violation of West Virginia’s wildlife laws, according to Major Jerry Jenkins of the Law Enforcement Section of the Division of Natural Resources.
DNR Corporal Doug Lilly and Conservation Officer Dennis Feazell started an investigation of an illegal deer kill on Little Beaver State Park in Raleigh County, which led to a taxidermist being found in possession of a hawk. Deputy Raymond Hall and Deputy Jason Ballengee of the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department and Conservation Officers Bobby Cales and Chris Lester of DNR’s District IV office in Beckley assisted in executing a search warrant on Frank Gilkerson’s residence on Cranberry Drive, Beckley.
Their search led them to a large amount of marijuana, which, according to statements taken from Mr. Gilkerson, was grown on Little Beaver State Park. Mr. Gilkerson, age 39, was immediately arrested on February 3, 2006, on a charge of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
After numerous follow-ups, Mr. Gilkerson was charged with illegal possession of a hawk, illegal possession of a cub black bear , hunting on a state park, taking during closed season , discharging a firearm within a state park, carrying an uncased gun on a state park, illegal possession of wildlife, failure to check deer, illegal possession of two 8 point bucks, illegal possession of a 9-point buck, and hunting without a license. Mr. Gilkerson’s pre-trial in magistrate court is scheduled for March 24 on the charge of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. The additional wildlife law violation charges will go to pre-trial on April 28. The Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department will pursue felony charges on the marijuana possession.
The investigation also led to the arrest of Scott Lilly, age 34, of Jumping Branch in Summers County, who was charged with illegal possession of wildlife and illegal possession of a 9-point buck. Following a magistrate’s court hearing Mr. Lilly paid a $200 fine with $153.50 court cost and a $100 replacement fee for the hawk. A court date is pending on charges relating to the illegally possessed buck.

West Virginia Conservation Officers from District IV made several high profile arrests during the 2005 Big Game Hunting Season, according to Col. James Fields, Chief of the WV Division of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Section.
In December, Conservation Officers D.W. Green and C.J. Lester arrested Eddie Gibson, II, of War, WV charging him with 20 counts of game law violations. Six of the 18 deer confiscated during this arrest were of 13 5+ class Pope and Young bucks. Mr. Gibson is awaiting trial.
In December, Conservation Officer N.G. Frangos of Greenbrier County received a complaint regarding illegal bear kills involving a female bear and her two cubs, with the suspects hunting without permission on private property. Officer Frangos, along with Officer F.C. Basile and Sgt. M.A. Sylvester, investigated the complaint, finding that several violations had occurred. Samuel George of White Sulphur Springs, WV, was cited for improper checking of bear; James Hall of Covington, VA, was cited for killing a bear accompanied by a cub bear, two counts of killing a bear weighing less than 100 pounds, non-resident hunting without a license and hunting without a bear stamp; Justin Boone of Covington, VA, was cited for non-resident hunting without a license and hunting without a bear stamp; William Miller of Hot Springs, VA, was cited for non-resident hunting without a license and hunting without a bear stamp. With the assistance of the sportsmen, local citizens of Greenbrier County and the Virginia Game Wardens, the WV DNR Law Enforcement Section was successful in prosecuting the suspects. The fines and costs issued by Greenbrier County Magistrate Court totaled $10,061.50 with the loss of hunting privileges for two-years.
In November, Officer B.L. Cales of Summers County and Officer A.S. Damewood of Mercer County were notified by the Ohio DNR regarding an ongoing investigation in reference to illegal deer kills and that the Illegal game had been brought to WV. The investigation was initiated because the suspects were caught spotlighting in Ohio. A comprehensive investigation ensued and resulted in the recovery of 11 illegal buck racks and the subjects being charged for illegal possession of game in WV. Investigation continues in Ohio and several more suspects are being investigated with charges pending.
In November, Officer C.J. Lester of McDowell County was patrolling in the Keystone/ North Fork area and noticed a truck with a bear in the bed. Officer Lester stopped to offer to check the bear. While the officer was talking to the individual he noticed items in the bed that made him suspicious of illegal baiting activity. Upon further investigation, Officer Lester obtained evidence that the bear had been illegally killed over bait and that the suspect was a non-resident and had made false application for a WV hunting license. The subject was charged and convicted for the above violations. The fines and cost, as well as the tow bill for the ATV, tallied up to $3,000.

OLYMPIA — Free classes will be held this month in four locations throughout the state for citizens who want to help prevent poaching of the state’s fish and wildlife.
The two-hour training sessions — scheduled this month in Yakima, Longview, Belfair and Vancouver — are jointly sponsored by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife , the Eyes in the Woods Association and other outdoor organizations and sporting goods stores.
The classes are the first of a series of Crime Observation and Reporting Training sessions scheduled this year to train and certify citizens as non-confrontational witnesses in fish and wildlife enforcement efforts.
“Our goal is to create a network of citizens trained in identifying, documenting and reporting crimes against our natural resources,” said Lt. Rich Mann of WDFW’s enforcement program. “While no one but a certified law-enforcement officer should ever approach a suspect, we often rely on citizens’ help in making a case.”
All four meetings are scheduled from 7-9 p.m. on the following dates and locations:
Yakima: Jan. 11 at 2603 Ahtanum Road. The local co-sponsor is AS&J Archery. For more information contact Brandon Porter at 457-4856 or ASJArchery@hotmail.com
Longview: Jan. 12 at 1111 Hudson Ave. The local sponsor is Bob’s Sporting Goods. For more information, contact Bob’s Hunting Counter at 425-3870 or www.bobsmerch.com.
Belfair: Jan. 19 at 3680 Old Belfair Hwy. The local sponsor is KBH Archery Club. For more information, contact John Durst at 871-8400 or jdurst4154@aol.com.
Vancouver: Jan. 26 at 5016 NE Thurston Way. The local sponsor is Clark County Trout Unlimited. For more information, contact Tammy Mackey at 513-3725 or cctroutunlimited@yahoo.com.
For a list of other CORT training sessions, see page 25 of WDFW’s 2005 Big Game Hunting Seasons and Rules guide .

ARKADELPHIA - In one of Arkansas’s more flagrant poaching cases, James Pradaxay of Mabelvale pleaded guilty to various charges after he was caught with eight deer on the opening day of the modern gun deer season. He was caught near the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Big Timber Leased Lands Wildlife Management Area in Clark County.
Pradaxay pleaded guilty to five counts of taking over the limit of deer, two counts of wasting edible portions, three counts of failure to tag deer, one count of hunting on lands without permission and two counts of not meeting legal buck requirements. County District Judge Randy Hill fined Pradaxay $4,965 in fines and court costs. He also lost his hunting and fishing privileges for 10 years with four years of the 10 suspended if he completes six years of probation. He must also complete 200 hours of community service.
During the six years probation Pradaxay is not allowed to posses a firearm. As a way to confirm that he does not have any firearms, he also signed a consent to search his vehicles and residence as part of his probation. The Winchester 30-06 used by Pradaxay also was confiscated.
AGFC Assistant Chief of Enforcement Chris Carpenter applauded Judge Hill’s actions. “It is great to see a district judge take actions such as these for wildlife crimes of this magnitude. This sentencing will send a clear message to the sportsmen of Arkansas. The legal system does work to their advantage and truly punishes violators who steal from them. I applaud Judge Hill for his obvious dedication to the wildlife of this state,” Carpenter said.
Pradaxay’s hunting odyssey began when officers responded to a trespassing complaint on a private hunting lease. AGFC wildlife officer Sgt. Robert Barger met with a hunter who had caught three men with deer he believed had been taken on his lease in Clark County. His lease bordered the Big Timber Leased Lands WMA, where the other hunters claimed they were hunting. Barger immediately noticed the three hunters had four deer in their possession - a nine-point, two eight-points and a spike - none of which had been tagged.
When the suspects began to lie about where they were hunting and refused to cooperate, Barger called for assistance from Cpl. Tod Johnson and his K-9 officer Carly, an enforcement dog specially trained for tracking and game location. While waiting for the K-9 unit to arrive, Barger searched the surrounding area and found additional deer. In all, eight dead deer were found in the area.

PIERRE, S.D. - Recent fall hunting seasons have had the Game, Fish and Parks Turn In Poachers hotline “ringing busy,” and department officials are asking callers to limit their TIPs concerns to wildlife violations only.
“We are thrilled that people are concerned and involved with using this hotline,” said GFP TIPs Coordinator Andy Alban. “However, too many calls are issues unrelated to wildlife violations, and people with legitimate concerns have been unable to get immediate assistance from an operator.”
Alban asks that callers make sure their reason for dialing is related to a wildlife law violation. He noted that TIPs operators are not equipped to handle information requests or to transfer calls.