November 3, 2011
By Jake Jones, Examiner.com/hunting
Killing game out of season, or killing more game than a hunter is
lawfully allowed is simply the "lazy man's way"! However, poaching of
wildlife from deer to alligators has become an even bigger problem with
the current recession. That said, in most cases, poaching is done by
those who feel they are smarter and more cunning than Law Enforcement
Officials. Wrong!
In a Press Release today, the West Virginia Division of Natural
Resources (WVDNR) states that two Wetzel County men have been charged
with various violations of West Virginia’s wildlife laws in connection
with the illegal taking of two trophy buck deer. This, according to
Capt. W.A. Persinger of the Law Enforcement Section of the West Virginia
Division of Natural Resources.
WVDNR reports that on Oct. 28, 2011, Sgt. C.D Shriner received a
citizen complaint from the Eight Mile Ridge area of Wetzel County near
the Tyler County line that two individuals had killed two deer in that
area and cut the heads off, leaving the remainder of the carcasses at
the scene. An investigation led Sgt. Shrine to the location of the
carcasses and information that resulted in the recovery of two trophy
eight-point bucks.
Further investigation led Sgt. Shriner to a suspect who, after being
questioned, confessed to the unlawful taking of these two bucks.
Tylor Hostuttler, age 18, of Jacksonburg, W.Va., was issued various
citations for the violations as well as trophy buck replacement fee for
both bucks. Codie Leek, age 18, of Pine Grove, W.Va., was also charged
in the incidents as an accessory to the crimes. The charges are pending
in Wetzel County Circuit Court.
Conviction on deer poaching charges can result in $200 replacement
costs for each deer, plus an additional fine of $1,000 to $2,500 for the
illegal taking of trophy bucks.
“This investigation was successful because someone saw a crime being
committed and reported it to the proper authorities,” said Capt.
Persinger.
“The concerned sportsmen in the area are to be commended in this case
for their information and reporting of this unlawful act.”
Report poaching if you see it!
