6 minute read
Game Warden Blotter
DOVE BAITERS CAUGHT
During dove season, an Atascosa County game warden contacted a group of dove hunters and observed a large amount of milo spread around the area being hunted. The five hunters admitted to hunting over the baited area for the past three days. In total, 126 birds were seized. Citations and restitution are pending for hunting over a baited area, placing bait to attract migratory game birds, and over the daily bag limit.
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BUCKET OF FISH, BUT NO RODS
At a local fishing spot in Burleson County, a game warden spotted a parked truck and noticed the people returning to the truck had no fishing rods and were carrying a bucket. Upon making contact, the men had a bucket of fish and cast net that they admitted to using. A total of 64 illegal fish were taken. Citations were issued and civil restitution is pending.
PERSISTENT WARDEN RESULTS IN FELONY CHARGES
A Travis County game warden concluded a 2-year investigation into a boating fatality on Lake Travis. The warden took over the case after Travis County Sheriff’s Office Homicide division declined to pursue the investigation. With the assistance of fellow wardens, local and state agencies, 33 warrants for cell phones and social media were executed. Over 1.5 terabytes of digital evidence were secured and analyzed. A Travis County grand jury issued indictments for two counts of felony perjury, one count of felony tampering with evidence, two counts of misdemeanor false statements to a peace officer, and two counts of misdemeanor providing alcohol to a minor. In addition, the two operators were charged with BUI Minor and nine citations were issued for Minor in Consumption.
FELONS HOG HUNTING FROM ROAD, 7 YEAR OLD IN BACK SEAT
A Jack County landowner reported suspicious gunfire near his property. A game warden responded and canvassed the area with no success. After watching for activity, the warden heard a single shot and responded in the direction of the gunfire. The warden observed a truck parked in the roadway with its lights off and activated the lights on his patrol truck. Two subjects were observed in the front of the truck and one subject in the bed with a rifle. The male in the bed began making movements before sitting on the bedside of the pickup. After detaining all three subjects, five firearms were removed from their persons and vehicle, including three handguns and two semiautomatic rifles equipped with thermal scopes. One firearm was recovered from the front passenger with a live round and the thermal optic on. Another firearm was recovered from the bed of the pickup. The rifle appeared to have been tossed to the side of the truck bed away from the passenger. The thermal optic had become detached from the rifle but was still on. The warden observed that the rifle had malfunctioned and removed a live round jammed in the chamber. A 7-year-old juvenile was found asleep in the rear seat of the vehicle. It was determined that the front seat passenger exited the vehicle and shot at a feral hog from the roadway. All three subjects admitted to shooting feral hogs with the firearms. A criminal records check revealed that two passengers had prior felony convictions and confirmed they were convicted felons, stating they had spent years in prison. Both felons were arrested. The driver was cited for hunting from a public roadway. The juvenile remained with the warden until the mother came to take custody. Both rifles and thermal optics were seized as evidence. were interdicted while engaged in illegal fishing in federal waters. Texas game wardens’ Marine Tactical Operations Group and a boat crew from Coast Guard Station South Padre Island seized the gear and catch from a lancha after the crew discovered three fishermen illegally fishing north of the Maritime Boundary Line. The team seized 500 to 600 pounds of red snapper and 5,000 feet of long line gear, then detained and transferred the men to border enforcement agents for processing. Later that evening, another Station South Padre Island crew detected and interdicted a lancha with four Mexican fishermen engaged in illegal fishing. Although there was no catch on board, the lancha was equipped with high flyers, bait, hooks and longline gear. The crew seized the gear and transferred the fishermen to border enforcement agents for processing.
WARDENS, COAST GUARD SEIZE FISH IN FEDERAL WATERS
Two Mexican lancha boat crews
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
Fine shotguns
Continued from page 4
Tim Sharp put
on white gloves to get the feel of the Benelli Magifico shotgun. Photo by David J. Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News.
serial number of the firearm.
The features included are story book in nature, with designs inspired directly from the culture of the Italian Renaissance.
The stocks are made with the finest walnut, and the stock is worked by hand, with an oil finish applied by master craftsmen of fine shotguns, who are also responsible for mounting the wood.
The receivers are carved by hand in stainless steel with the Benelli Inertia Driven system. The steel mechanics, originated by Benelli, have been modified and finished by hand to guarantee perfect couplings.
On the 12 gauge’s left side, against a backdrop of lake vegetation, mallards sweep up towards the sky, flying in the direction of the horizon. All engravings are entirely marked and created by hand, and each gauge has its own dedicated subject, with each shotgun being decorated with hunting scenes, each one beautifully framed by a motif of oak leaves and rose gold-setting acorns.
At the event, one young attendee worked his way to the front to be one of the first to get his hands on the shotguns. It wasn’t direct contact, though, as white gloves were provided and required to touch the firearms.
Gun enthusiast and Small Groups Range owner Tim Sharp attended, mainly out of intrigue.
The shotgun set was first revealed at Safari Club International’s 2022 International Convention in Las Vegas, and will travel to New York to be displayed at the Beretta Gallery in New York starting Mar. 3. From there, they will return to Europe to be sold for an estimated $1 million euros (about $1.34 million US). Upon the sale, Benelli Armi S.p.A. will donate $200,000 to the SCI Foundation in support of wildlife conservation.
RUGER.COM/AMERICANRIFLE
300# GALVANIZED BROADCAST FEEDER®
600# STAND & FILL BROADCAST FEEDER® WITH CORN SHIELD
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