CASPER — It all started with a tip from a concerned member of the public. Friday afternoon, the caller reported suspicious hunting activity on 33-Mile Road just west of Casper. That information led the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, the Wyoming Highway Patrol, the Mills Police Department, and the Natrona County Sheriff’s office to respond to the report. With this teamwork, multiple citations were issued.
“We really want to thank the public for caring so much about safe, ethical, and legal hunting. This tip is much appreciated, as is the assistance we received from other law enforcement agencies,” said Brian Olsen, Casper Regional Wildlife Supervisor.
Game and Fish wardens and the other law enforcement agencies found four pronghorn antelope at the initial stop. After initial court appearances six defendants plead no contest and received $26,740 in fines and restitution. In Wyoming, fines go to the school districts while restitution for the illegally taken wildlife is used by the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission to fund access easements to private and public land.
“Game and Fish appreciates the efforts of the Natrona County District Attorney’s office in the successful prosecution of this case. These fines go back to the schools to help fund local education and the restitution provides increased access opportunities for sportsmen,” Olsen said.
Upon hearing of the poached pronghorn, Yellowstone Meat Processing stepped up and offered to waive processing fees for the four pronghorn that were poached. On Wednesday, several local families on the Game and Fish Department’s meat donation list received the pronghorn.
“This entire case is an example of this community coming together and while the crime is disheartening, the cooperation is impressive. We’re proud to be a part of it,” said Olsen.
Those convicted had their hunting, fishing and trapping privileges revoked for a total of 28 years. Because Wyoming is part of the Wildlife Violator Compact this means the individuals involved stand to lose those same privileges in 46 other compact member states as well.
If you are aware of a wildlife violation, please contact the Department’s STOP POACHING program. Tips can be submitted directly on the Game and Fish website at http://wgfd.wyo.gov , by calling 1-877-WGFD-TIP (1-877-943-3847 in-state or 1-307-777-4330 out-of-state) or by texting WGFD and the tip to TIP411 (847411) via the WGFD Tip Android app. Those reporting wildlife violations can choose to remain anonymous. Individuals submitting information leading to a conviction may be eligible for a cash reward through the Wyoming Wildlife Protector’s Association.