Christopher J. Alexander, 28, of Wilmington, on Tuesday pleaded guilty to 14 counts in the illegal taking of an 18-point trophy white-tailed buck deer in Clinton County on Nov. 9, 2023.
While wildlife violations can happen any time of the year, a spike typically occurs during the fall hunting seasons. If you’d like to help in the fight against illegal hunting in Utah, there are some specific measures to take.
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources conservation officers have recently investigated several cases involving large, trophy-sized deer and elk that were killed illegally across the state.
A total of 1,283 wild animals and fish were illegally harvested in Utah in 2022, slightly higher than the number poached in 2021.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife recently closed the adjudication phase of one of Ohio’s largest white-tailed deer commercialization cases, spanning four counties and two states. The case primarily concerned A&E Deer Processing in Gallia County and included the illegal taking of deer and selling venison.
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources conservation officers are seeking information after two bull elk were recently killed and left to waste in Sevier County.
Indiana Conservation Officers encourage citizens to partner with the Turn In a Poacher, Inc. (TIP) program and help put an end to poaching.
Several hunting seasons are in full swing, and Utah’s general-season deer hunt — arguably the state’s most popular hunt — starts Oct. 22. Utah Division of Wildlife Resources conservation officers are hard at work patrolling the state to protect wildlife and to make sure hunters are obeying the laws.
Brayden Reed, 19, of Shepherd, Montana lost his hunting privileges for 16 years and will pay fines and restitution exceeding $6,000 after pleading guilty to 16 state and federal charges of poaching mule deer and leaving some parts at a federal recreation area.
Indiana Conservation Officers have arrested three Chicago men on multiple wildlife violations stemming from an investigation that originated on the evening of Feb. 15
“Hunters need to take the responsibility of knowing the law, having a current hunting or combination license and knowing what species and areas their permits allow them to hunt,” Utah DWR Capt. Wyatt Bubak said.
In late January, two mature mule deer bucks were poached on the Fillmore-Oak Creek limited entry deer unit in south-central Utah. Whoever killed the deer hacked off their antlers and then tried to hide the animals under woodpiles.
A routine inspection of local taxidermy operations in Buchanan and Linn counties began a yearlong investigation into poaching activity and ended with four individuals being charged and convicted of dozens of wildlife violations as well as facing thousands of dollars in fines and civil damages.
Stephen Burt, 64, of Colchester, has been charged with possession of illegal big game in connection with an early morning deer poaching case in Essex.
There’s one important tool that helps solve poaching crimes in Wyoming: your eyes. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department relies on tips from the public regarding wildlife crimes. Often, these citizen reports open an investigation or solve a case.
“We need your help,” DWR Lt. Chad Bettridge said. “Please keep your eyes and ears open and report suspicious activity to us. Working together, we can enforce wildlife laws and keep our recreating public safe.”
Acting on an anonymous tip, Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers conducted a lengthy investigation which has led to the recent arrests of Jakob Edward Gagnon and Logan Nathan-Edward Turbin, of Cheboygan County, for the poaching of a cow elk.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is asking for the public’s help in gathering information about a bull moose that was illegally killed in Rich County last month.
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources conservation officers are asking the public for information regarding the recent poaching of a buck deer on the Pumphouse Road up the right fork of Hobble Creek Canyon.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission are conducting a joint investigation into the death of a mature bald eagle found in Cross County on Feb. 21.