Game Warden Blotter

SEED RICE FOR DOVE

While on patrol near Sanderson, Terrell County game wardens discovered a large amount of seed rice placed to attract dove. An interview of the hunters resulted in migratory bird baiting cases filed.

GOOD DEED BY WARDEN PUNISHED

On Lake Tawakoni, Hunt County game wardens contacted a vessel displaying improper lighting and discovered that there were young children onboard not wearing PFDs while the vessel was underway. A citation was issued, but the operator had an outstanding warrant for DWI. Due to the young children present, wardens allowed the operator to return the vessel to the marina so that the children could leave with the mother. While at the marina, the wanted individual entered the backseat of his vehicle and an unknown person drove away from the wardens at a high rate of speed. Warrants were secured for the individual. Later, the wife of the wanted person posted a picture of herself and the fugitive at a football game at a local high school stadium, even tagging the fugitive by name. The warden drove to the stadium and located the fugitive’s vehicle. The fugitive arrived at the vehicle 10 minutes later and was taken into custody.

SMUGGLING IN ILLEGAL FISH

A Texas resident was caught with 20 pike crocodile fish (which are on Texas’ invasive species list) shipped into DFW Airport. The individual is a fish dealer and had a customer waiting for the fish to be delivered to him. However, the pike crocodile are illegal to import, export, possess or be sold in Texas. Appropriate charges were filed.

BRINGING IN THE DOVE

A large group of dove hunters had dumped large quantities of milo on a field in Nacogdoches County. Numerous citations were issued for hunting dove over bait and including no hunting license. Cases pending.

THEFT RING DISCOVERED, CAUGHT

A Kilgore-area cattle rancher advised a Gregg County game warden that various farm equipment and hunting rifles were recently taken from the ranch. That morning, the warden witnessed a suspicious pickup entering the property and conducted a vehicle stop as it attempted to exit the ranch. During the stop, a second individual operating the rancher’s just-stolen utility vehicle loaded with farm tools and equipment sped around the warden in an apparent attempt to flee the area. After a brief pursuit, the warden received assistance from the rancher in detaining both vehicles and individuals. The pickup was confirmed stolen one day prior out of Tyler. An ongoing investigation is spanning multiple counties prosecuting additional theft ring actors and recovering items and equipment. Both individuals were arrested for multiple charges including felony theft and transported to the Gregg County Jail.

SPOTLIGHTING HOGS, KILLED A DEER

An Angelina County game warden was contacted by a complainant who said one of his friends had posted a picture of a deer in the back of a utility vehicle on Facebook. After several hours of tracking down individuals and numerous interviews, two individuals were charged. It was discovered that five individuals had gone hog hunting on private property. The individuals were using a spotlight, and when they shined a deer one of the men held the light while the other shot the deer with a .30.30 rifle.

BLINDS WERE A GREENHOUSE FOR POT

In Houston County, game wardens entered a tract of land and observed an open field with what at first appeared to be deer blinds close to a tripod feeder. At the “blinds” the warden smelled marijuana. The “blinds” were improvised grow houses for many large marijuana plants. The wardens also noticed a car parked behind some bushes in front of a dilapidated house and could hear an air conditioner running. Further inspection around the house led to more plants being discovered. The wardens arrested the suspect. Upon inspection of the house, it was confirmed that it was a grow house complete with lights, fertilizer, surge protectors, timers, air filters, humidifiers and water. The suspect in the house had served time for murder and transporting two kilos of cocaine across the southern border. He was also in possession of a shotgun and a pistol. The pistol was reported as stolen.

SPOTLIGHTERS IN KNOWN SPOT

Game wardens from Sabine and San Augustine counties worked a set late into the night in an area prone to illegal night hunting. They observed a truck race by, turn around, and proceed to shine the entire roadway with a 52-inch LED light bar after which it drove on. Shortly thereafter the truck came back by shining the entire field with a spotlight. The wardens made contact and found a spotlight along with a loaded .22 long rifle and a loaded .270 rifle on the front middle console of the truck. The driver was cited for hunting from a public roadway and hunting in closed season.

REPORT ILLEGAL HUNTING AND FISHING ACTIVITY FOR A REWARD OF UP TO $1,000. CALL OPERATION GAME THIEF AT (800) 792-4263

AN AMERICAN LEGEND

RUGER.COM/AMERICANRIFLE