6/2/2005 4:32:51 PM
The Associated Press
A man accused of violating rules on bobcat trapping has pleaded
guilty to three federal misdemeanor charges.
Authorities say Rodney Wheaton of Belle Fourche had consigned bobcat
pelts for sale in Montana. But federal law bans the shipment of
illegally taken wildlife across state lines.
Wheaton agreed to forfeit 33 pelts seized by state officers after a
2003 investigation.
The state Game, Fish and Parks Department says Wheaton violated state
regulations that include not checking his traps every two days, taking
bobcats before the season and giving false information about when and
where some of the cats were trapped.
The department decided to drop most of the state charges when federal
wildlife officials became involved.
South Dakota has an annual trapping and hunting season for bobcats
west of the Missouri River.
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