AK: illegal hunting activity

December 19, 2009

Smokejumpers convicted of falsifying Alaska hunting documents

ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Seven out-of-state members of a federal smokejumpers crew have been convicted of falsifying fishing and hunting documents.

Alaska Wildlife Troopers made the announcement Friday. The seven worked as seasonal firefighters for the Bureau of Land Management out of Fort Wainwright. Two men were also convicted of illegally hunting Dall sheep.

All seven claimed to be Alaska residents when submitted their hunting or fishing licenses. Troopers say there is a large price difference between resident and nonresident licenses and tags, plus guiding requirements for nonresident hunters, giving some reason to lie about their residency.

Ward Scanson 29, of Montana and Chad Rice, 25, of Arizona both pleaded guilty to unlawfully taking Dall sheep without a registered guide in 2008. Scanson was ordered to pay $6,600 and Rice $6,100.

The other five all pleaded no contest and were ordered to pay a $300 fine.

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