Post by: bobcat on March 18, 2011, 09:33:34 PM
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091
http://wdfw.wa.gov/ (http://wdfw.wa.gov/)
March 18, 2011
Contact: Jon Horn, 509-528-1809
Poaching tip leads to guilty plea in one case,
charges in two others
OLYMPIA - A Kennewick man has pleaded guilty to charges of illegal big-game hunting in the Blue Mountains of Columbia County following an investigation by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).
Jason Locke, 37, pleaded guilty March 9 in Columbia County District Court to poaching a bull elk and using a hunting license illegally. Locke was fined a total of $11,345, including a $6,000 criminal wildlife assessment penalty for taking a trophy-size bull elk.
Two other men - David E. Myles, 50, of Richland, and Brian E. Badgwell, 40, of Pomeroy - earlier pleaded guilty to charges of unlawfully transporting wildlife in that case.
Locke is also facing poaching charges in Chelan County, and allegations that he guided Columbia River steelhead trips without a commercial license.
Along with additional fines, Locke could lose hunting and fishing privileges for two years and forfeiture of elk meat and hunting and fishing equipment seized as evidence in those cases.
WDFW's investigation of Locke's activities was sparked by an anonymous tip to WDFW last October that he had killed two bull elk in the Blue Mountains and claimed one of them using his wife's permit tag. Under Washington law, it is illegal to harvest game for another person.
The informant also told WDFW enforcement officers that Locke killed a buck deer near Chelan in 2009 using his wife's permit tag.
Based on WDFW's investigation, Locke has been charged in Chelan County District Court with three counts of unlawful big game hunting and one charge of unlawful transportation of wildlife. He could face up to $6,000 in fines there, including a $4,000 criminal wildlife penalty assessment for taking a trophy-size buck deer.
In addition, Locke has been charged in Benton County District Court with unlawfully guiding fishing trips on the Columbia River without a license and making a false report regarding fish and wildlife. Both are gross misdemeanors, punishable by fines of more than $2,000.
That case, which WDFW investigated in conjunction with the Oregon State Police, has been forward to the U.S. Coast Guard, since Locke also did not have a required Coast Guard license to guide commercial fishing trips.
"All of these cases started with an anonymous tip by a concerned citizen," said Mike Cencil, WDFW deputy chief of enforcement. "We encourage people who witness fish and wildlife violations to contact the department and let us know about it."
The WDFW Enforcement Program encourages citizens who witness a fish and wildlife offense to report the violation. Reports can be filed by phone (1-877-933-9847), email (reportpoaching@dfw.wa.gov ) or text message (847411 TIP411).
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Post by: boonerboy on March 18, 2011, 09:38:19 PM
Post by: 400out on March 18, 2011, 09:40:37 PM
Bobcat what's with the quote at the bottom of your post :dunno:
Post by: 400out on March 18, 2011, 09:41:39 PM
lose his license for 2 years? :dunno: I hope that is wrong.....should be for life! I wonder how many bulls and bucks he shot and didnt get caught. :bash: :bash:sounds like he was only doing it when there was a permit in his hands, but who know where a pig like that would draw the line :dunno:
Post by: 400out on March 18, 2011, 09:48:37 PM
Bobcat what's with the quote at the bottom of your post :dunno:Never mind Bobcat, I just read through the "243" thread and I figured it out ;) :chuckle: Two can play at that game :chuckle:
Post by: hirshey on March 18, 2011, 09:57:12 PM
lose his license for 2 years? :dunno: I hope that is wrong.....should be for life! I wonder how many bulls and bucks he shot and didnt get caught. :bash: :bash:
My thoughts precisely.
But a #_(*$)Q(#*$ lowlife that does that kind of thing anyways doesn't adhere to seasons and lisences anyhow, I suppose.
Post by: bobcat on March 18, 2011, 10:12:54 PM
Post by: bigtex on March 18, 2011, 10:16:07 PM
lose his license for 2 years? :dunno: I hope that is wrong.....should be for life! I wonder how many bulls and bucks he shot and didnt get caught. :bash: :bash:
Unfortunately the only time you can have your license pulled for life in this state is if your caught hunting/fishing on a suspended license.
Post by: bobcat on March 18, 2011, 10:21:28 PM
Post by: danceswitharrows on March 18, 2011, 11:32:17 PM
How many ex-wives would still be alive if all you got was a 12k fine and could not get married again for two years for getting rid of her :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Post by: E-Town Hunter on March 19, 2011, 12:02:09 AM
Post by: bigtex on March 19, 2011, 05:46:29 PM
What if you shoot and kill someone while hunting?
Well believe it or not but there is a WDFW RCW for shooting another person/livestock (yes we are in the same law as a cow) and the penalty is a suspended license, not revocation. Now I cant remember a time when this offense was actually used for shooting a person, usually if someone shoots someone hunting there are some type of manslaughter, reckless endangerment charges, etc.
Post by: bearpaw on March 19, 2011, 06:07:32 PM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on March 19, 2011, 07:06:33 PM
Post by: bigtex on March 19, 2011, 08:02:12 PM
It's just amazing there are so many repeat offenders which is more than likely because of the slap on the wrist they usually get.
Do you really think taking peoples license away means they stop poaching?
Look at how many people WDFW catches on revoked or suspended licenses and are still hunting and fishing.
Post by: bearpaw on March 19, 2011, 08:07:58 PM
It's just amazing there are so many repeat offenders which is more than likely because of the slap on the wrist they usually get.
Do you really think taking peoples license away means they stop poaching?
Look at how many people WDFW catches on revoked or suspended licenses and are still hunting and fishing.
Good point that needed said. :)
Post by: Bob33 on March 19, 2011, 08:10:18 PM
RCW 77.15.720: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=77.15.720 (http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=77.15.720)What if you shoot and kill someone while hunting?
Well believe it or not but there is a WDFW RCW for shooting another person/livestock (yes we are in the same law as a cow) and the penalty is a suspended license, not revocation. Now I cant remember a time when this offense was actually used for shooting a person, usually if someone shoots someone hunting there are some type of manslaughter, reckless endangerment charges, etc.
1) If a person shoots another person or domestic livestock while hunting, the director shall revoke all hunting licenses and suspend all hunting privileges for three years. If the shooting of another person or livestock is the result of criminal negligence or reckless or intentional conduct, then the person's privileges shall be suspended for ten years. The suspension shall be continued beyond these periods if damages owed to the victim or livestock owner have not been paid by the suspended person. A hunting license shall not be reissued to the suspended person unless authorized by the director.
(2) Within twenty days of service of an order suspending privileges or imposing conditions under this section or RCW 77.15.710, a person may petition for administrative review under chapter 34.05 RCW by serving the director with a petition for review. The order is final and unappealable if there is no timely petition for administrative review.
(3) The commission may by rule authorize petitions for reinstatement of administrative suspensions and define circumstances under which reinstatement will be allowed.
Post by: Pathfinder101 on March 19, 2011, 08:11:02 PM
It's just amazing there are so many repeat offenders which is more than likely because of the slap on the wrist they usually get.
Do you really think taking peoples license away means they stop poaching?
No, but it makes them a lot easier to track and re-ticket. If you are a gamey, and you know this guys had his license pulled, and you see his truck parked out somewhere during hunting season, you investigate.
Post by: bigtex on March 19, 2011, 08:14:57 PM
It's just amazing there are so many repeat offenders which is more than likely because of the slap on the wrist they usually get.
Do you really think taking peoples license away means they stop poaching?
No, but it makes them a lot easier to track and re-ticket. If you are a gamey, and you know this guys had his license pulled, and you see his truck parked out somewhere during hunting season, you investigate.
Thats true but there are hundreds, if not a thousand or more people who have a suspended license in WA. A fewer amount are also revoked. WA is part of an agreement where if you loose your license in one state you loose it in many other states so there are a lot of people to "watch". Is it possible for the local WDFW Officer to know the local people who are suspended? Possibly but depends on the area. But how many people only hunt locally? There is no way an officer knows every vehicle and every suspended/revoked hunter.
Post by: rtspring on March 19, 2011, 08:15:58 PM
I don't care if it is a duck,sheep, moose, pheasant ,deer, elk whatever.
Poaching is Poaching and should not be tolerated in any shape or form. No second chances period...
Post by: Pathfinder101 on March 19, 2011, 08:17:16 PM
It's just amazing there are so many repeat offenders which is more than likely because of the slap on the wrist they usually get.
Do you really think taking peoples license away means they stop poaching?
No, but it makes them a lot easier to track and re-ticket. If you are a gamey, and you know this guys had his license pulled, and you see his truck parked out somewhere during hunting season, you investigate.
Thats true but there are hundreds, if not a thousand or more people who have a suspended license in WA. A fewer amount are also revoked. WA is part of an agreement where if you loose your license in one state you loose it in many other states so there are a lot of people to "watch". Is it possible for the local WDFW Officer to know the local people who are suspended? Possibly but depends on the area. But how many people only hunt locally? There is no way an officer knows every vehicle and every suspended/revoked hunter.
Not every one, but if they're local, I can tell you without doubt, they know your rig...
.
Post by: bigtex on March 19, 2011, 08:19:21 PM
Poaching is Poaching and should not be tolerated in any shape or form. No second chances period...
Not to bash you, but what is poaching?
Any violation of WDFW reg is poaching? So something like a barbed hook?
Over limit of one trout? Overlimit of one clam which will cost ya 54?
"Poaching" does not have a legal definition in WA state. So what might be poaching to one person is not to another. There are many "good" people that have WDFW tickets, most aren't for "serious" violations, should those lose their licenses?
Post by: Pathfinder101 on March 19, 2011, 08:23:43 PM
Poaching is Poaching and should not be tolerated in any shape or form. No second chances period...
Not to bash you, but what is poaching?
Any violation of WDFW reg is poaching? So something like a barbed hook?
Over limit of one trout? Overlimit of one clam which will cost ya 54?
"Poaching" does not have a legal definition in WA state. So what might be poaching to one person is not to another. There are many "good" people that have WDFW tickets, most aren't for "serious" violations, should those lose their licenses?
Oh boy. Here we go. THe unanswerable questions:
1. What is God?
2. What is the meaning of life?
3. WHat is the sound of one hand clapping?
4. If a tree falls in the forest and there is no one there to hear it, does it make a sound?
5. What is true poaching....?
:dunno: :dunno: :dunno: :dunno: :dunno: :dunno: :dunno: :dunno: :dunno: :dunno:
Post by: runamuk on March 19, 2011, 08:24:57 PM
Poaching is Poaching and should not be tolerated in any shape or form. No second chances period...
Not to bash you, but what is poaching?
Any violation of WDFW reg is poaching? So something like a barbed hook?
Over limit of one trout? Overlimit of one clam which will cost ya 54?
"Poaching" does not have a legal definition in WA state. So what might be poaching to one person is not to another. There are many "good" people that have WDFW tickets, most aren't for "serious" violations, should those lose their licenses?
Oh boy. Here we go. THe unanswerable questions:
1. What is God?
2. What is the meaning of life?
3. WHat is the sound of one hand clapping?
4. If a tree falls in the forest and there is no one there to hear it, does it make a sound?
5. What is true poaching....?
:dunno: :dunno: :dunno: :dunno: :dunno: :dunno: :dunno: :dunno: :dunno: :dunno:
yeah what he said......
Post by: bigtex on March 19, 2011, 08:26:54 PM
Poaching is Poaching and should not be tolerated in any shape or form. No second chances period...
Not to bash you, but what is poaching?
Any violation of WDFW reg is poaching? So something like a barbed hook?
Over limit of one trout? Overlimit of one clam which will cost ya 54?
"Poaching" does not have a legal definition in WA state. So what might be poaching to one person is not to another. There are many "good" people that have WDFW tickets, most aren't for "serious" violations, should those lose their licenses?
Oh boy. Here we go. THe unanswerable questions:
1. What is God?
2. What is the meaning of life?
3. WHat is the sound of one hand clapping?
4. If a tree falls in the forest and there is no one there to hear it, does it make a sound?
5. What is true poaching....?
:dunno: :dunno: :dunno: :dunno: :dunno: :dunno: :dunno: :dunno: :dunno: :dunno:
Well its a topic I deal with everyday. And when someone comes on here and says all poachers should lose their license, well there is no definition of poacher. Thats like saying all drunks shouldn't drive, does that mean everyone who has ever been drunk or everyone who has been arrested for DUI?
Post by: rtspring on March 19, 2011, 08:30:25 PM
It shouldn't be that hard to define it. We all know what it is do we not?
If you don't you shouldn't be hunting or fishing........
Or are we gonna hide behind the legal paperwork once again???
Post by: bigtex on March 19, 2011, 08:32:33 PM
BIGTEX,
It shouldn't be that hard to define it. We all know what it is do we not?
If you don't you shouldn't be hunting or fishing........
Or are we gonna hide behind the legal paperwork once again???
So then according to you every person who is cited for barbed hook which isn't a criminal offense is a poacher?
Think there are a lot of people that would disagree.
Post by: rtspring on March 19, 2011, 08:39:23 PM
What most consider "poaching"..
You obviously know the books real well. I have read alot of your posts.
I was trying to state the fact that if you commit the above stated "Poaching" you should be banned for life.
Wasn't trying to say what was written or what wasn't. Maybe with all your knowledge of the subect you could do somehting about it.
Post by: jackelope on March 19, 2011, 09:09:58 PM
400out?
Post by: Sumpnneedskillin on March 19, 2011, 10:00:02 PM
Anybody know if this was the Peola bull(s) that got poached last year?
400out?
I don't think so. The article mentioned he used his wife's tag.
Post by: 400out on March 19, 2011, 10:13:47 PM
Anybody know if this was the Peola bull(s) that got poached last year?I'm not sure! I've made some calls ;) Doesn't sound like it though :dunno:
400out?
Post by: pianoman9701 on March 30, 2011, 11:58:39 AM
Post by: ThePascoKid on March 30, 2011, 12:26:57 PM
Post by: elkinrutdrivemenuts on April 01, 2011, 08:33:28 AM
Post by: ThePascoKid on April 01, 2011, 10:13:56 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on April 08, 2011, 10:48:58 AM
Post by: elkinrutdrivemenuts on April 08, 2011, 11:01:12 AM
If i was hunting with my wife and we had bull tags, she better not miss or I'm pulling the trigger!
Post by: dreamingbig on April 08, 2011, 11:39:47 AM
Sir, I respectfully disagree. It is poaching. Poaching is the unlawful shooting of game when you don't have the right to. As you stated, it is illegal to shoot an animal for another person and it isn't the first time he has done it (reference the article and shooting a deer for her in 2009). Think about how your draw odds are being affected by him applying for her and shooting game for her. It isn't right and it isn't lawful. Two years penalty isn't enough in my opinion.
Post by: elkinrutdrivemenuts on April 08, 2011, 11:52:24 AM
Post by: h20hunter on April 08, 2011, 12:16:02 PM
Post by: SnakeEyes on April 08, 2011, 12:27:12 PM
Post by: ThePascoKid on April 08, 2011, 12:32:29 PM
Post by: pianoman9701 on April 08, 2011, 01:00:54 PM
Post by: elkinrutdrivemenuts on April 08, 2011, 01:11:21 PM
From getting away. However it appears the guy was hunting with 2 tags and his wife wasn't around, that is poaching not group hunting. Group hunting is totally different. If two guys are shooting at 1 bull, they both have tags, and they both hit it, is that illegal? Do you really draw stick when a animal jumps up to see who should donthe shooting. Who cares if you got meat in the fridge. That is an example of group hunting, helping others in the taking if game, not taking game for them when they are not even hunting!
Post by: bigtex on April 08, 2011, 02:54:46 PM
I will second the opinion that it is poaching by legal definition. It may be unlawfull but not poaching in your opinion but opinions don't count when there is a legal definition.
There is no legal definition (at least in WA) of poaching.
Post by: h20hunter on April 08, 2011, 03:08:50 PM