Law enforcement
Posted Monday, 11 June 2012 11:59
PIUTE COUNTY — On September 3, 2011, law enforcement personnel with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources checked in a bear that was taken with the use of hounds on Beaver management unit.
The following day, conservation officers received a call from a concerned archery hunter who believed they had found an illegal bear baiting station. Officers responded, and confirmed the complainant's suspicions.
Officers seized a trail camera at the location which was being used to record bear activity. While reviewing evidentiary photos stored on the device, officers were able to confirm that several bears had been using the bait location. One photo sequence showed a bear eating material at the bait location, and then just minutes later showed several hounds running through the bait location, presumably chasing a bear. Officers later determined that this sequence of photos was taken the morning of September 3.
During the investigation, officers also observed the same group of individuals attempt to take another bear from this same bait location, with the aid of hounds.
Justin L. McConnell, Robert K. Teichert and Jason R. Walker were eventually charged for their role in the wildlife crime. On April 20, 2012, all entered into plea in abeyance agreements for their role in the wanton destruction of protected wildlife, a third-degree felony. Each was ordered to pay $750 in fines and placed on probation for six months. All face the potential suspension of their hunting privileges in Utah and all participating Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact states.
The public is reminded that it is illegal to use hounds to take bear from a bait station. Hunters not utilizing hounds may use bait in some circumstances, but those stations have to be registered with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and the appropriate federal land management agency, if applicable.
If you suspect that someone is using an illegal bait station to take bears, please contact Utah Division of Wildlife Resources law enforcement by calling the UTiP hotline at 1-800-662-3337.
