Latest news with #poaching
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Idaho man convicted of poaching trophy-size elk that had long eluded ethical hunters
An Idaho man has been convicted of a felony for poaching a trophy-size elk that had eluded ethical hunters for years. Joel Rose, of Coeur d'Alene, was convicted for the unlawful killing, possession and wasting of wildlife after a two-day trial late last month. Idaho Fish and Game announced Monday that Rose used a sophisticated distance rifle to kill the elk during an archery-only season on Sept. 10, 2024. He shot the elk, which boasted a unique antler configuration that made it easily identifiable, on private property in Kootenai County. ALSO: Yellowstone bison fight showcases awesome power of iconic beasts Conservation officers, acting on a tip, searched Rose's residence on Sept. 11 and discovered the elk carcass. 'The investigation revealed that the elk had been killed by two lethal shots from a rifle, and that an arrow had been inserted into the carcass after the animal was already dead,' Idaho Fish and Game explained in a news release. The rifle Rose was said to have used was equipped with a silencer. The rifle, elk antlers and meat, and archery equipment were seized as evidence. 'Additional evidence revealed that Rose had been specifically targeting the trophy-class bull elk during the archery-only season, which overlaps the rutting period for elk in North Idaho,' Idaho Fish and Game stated. 'After the elk was killed with a rifle, Rose posed in photos with the elk with an arrow protruding from the carcass.' A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for August. This article originally appeared on For The Win: Idaho man convicted of poaching famously elusive trophy-size elk
News24
3 days ago
- News24
KZN cops arrest three suspected poachers found with rhino horn and two unlicensed rifles
Three suspected poachers were arrested in Paulpietersburg on Saturday. They allegedly accosted and tied up security guards and robbed them of a shotgun. They are expected to appear in court on charges of armed robbery, rhino poaching, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. Police in KwaZulu-Natal have arrested three suspected poachers who were found in possession of two unlicensed rifles and a rhino horn in Paulpietersburg on Saturday. It's alleged that the men, aged between 34 and 50, entered a game reserve and stormed up to two security guards while wearing face masks. They tied up the guards and robbed them of a shotgun, an R5 assault rifle, as well as their cellphones in the early hours of Friday morning. They then proceeded to shoot a rhino and remove its horn. They fled the scene, leaving behind the shotgun, next to the rhino carcass. According to KZN police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Paul Magwaza, when they arrived at the scene, the suspects had already fled the game reserve. 'Police members, together with private security personnel, worked tirelessly throughout the day looking for the suspects. With assistance from community members, the suspects were eventually arrested as they took refuge in the bush,' he said. The suspects were found with an R5 rifle, a 303-calibre rifle, and a rhino horn. Magwaza added that the vehicle in which they were traveling was also seized by the police. The suspects were charged with armed robbery, rhino poaching, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. They are expected to appear at the Vryheid Magistrate's Court on Monday.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
Deer poachers ordered to pay nearly $120,000, issued worldwide hunting bans
(WJW)- Five men from Mississippi have been ordered to pay nearly $120,000 in restitution and have also received a temporary worldwide hunting ban after being accused of poaching white-tailed deer. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the crime spree took place over four years in southern Illinois. The men are accused of using spotlights to scout deer, then shooting to kill, and later returning to collect the carcass. Rare mosquito-borne virus confirmed in Northeast Ohio 'This was not an isolated incident of unlawful hunting; rather, it was a calculated, multi-year operation that exploited Illinois's prized wildlife resources for personal gain,' said Assistant Director Douglas Ault, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement in a press release. 'Targeting trophy deer under the cover of night, across multiple counties, and transporting them across state lines reflects a deliberate disregard for wildlife laws and the ecological balance we work tirelessly to protect.' Petition aims to eliminate Ohio property taxes According to a press release, all five defendants received a world-wide hunting ban for the length of their probations. Further sentencing details are below: Lee J. Johnson, 54, of Saucier, Mississippi, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful transport of wildlife in violation of the Lacey Act and was sentenced to probation for five years, including 12 months of home detention and location monitoring. Johnson was also ordered to pay $75,000 in restitution and a $10,000 fine. Steven J. Pique, 56, of Biloxi, Mississippi, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act, was sentenced to probation for five years and ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution. Gerald B. Moran, 40, of Saucier, Mississippi, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful transport of wildlife in violation of the Lacey Act, was sentenced to probation for five years and ordered to pay $5,000 in restitution, as well as a $2,500 fine. Joshua A. Marshall, 30, of Saucier, Mississippi, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful transport of wildlife in violation of the Lacey Act, was sentenced to probation for three years and ordered to pay $7,500 in restitution, as well as a $2,500 fine. John M. Pritchard, 57, of Biloxi, Mississippi, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful transport of wildlife in violation of the Lacey Act, was sentenced to probation for five years and ordered to pay $10,000 in restitution, as well as a $5,000 fine. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Discovery of ‘enormous' shark fin a sign of foul play in Atlantic
The recent discovery of a fin from an extremely large shark floating in a Connecticut harbor appears to have been an indication of foul play. The Atlantic Shark Institute explained Sunday that the fin was photographed by Bob Tabor, Harbormaster at Lord's Point in Stonington. 'This photo is the tail fin of either a mako shark or great white shark, both prohibited species,' the Atlantic Shark Institute stated via Instagram. 'They can't be kept for any reason. The distance between the tips on the tail were estimated to be between 36' - 42' – absolutely enormous.' The Institute, implying that the shark was poached and processed at sea, was unable to locate the fin after receiving information from from Tabor. The photo appears to show rope still tied to the shark's tail area. ALSO: Fisherman hardly speechless after rare orca encounter off Hawaii NOAA was contacted and, presumably, an investigation has been launched. This article originally appeared on For The Win: Discovery of 'enormous' shark fin a sign of foul play in Atlantic Solve the daily Crossword
Mail & Guardian
20-07-2025
- Mail & Guardian
Plant poachers get slapped with jail sentences of 15 years each
The men were sentenced for poaching 303 rate specied found in the Northern and Western Cape. Photo: WWF The Calvinia regional court has sentenced four people to 15 years imprisonment each for The plants, commonly known as the miracle bush lily or Oorlogskloof bush lily, are estimated to carry a black-market value of R6 million to R30 million. The rare species is endemic to parts of the Northern and Western Cape and is highly sought after in the illicit global plant trade. The four individuals — Mark Daddy (43), Raphael Mhashu (25), Simbarashe Charanelura (33) and Elton Ngwanati (34) — were arrested on 20 April last year after being found in possession of the endangered specimens. They were convicted on charges relating to the illegal harvesting of protected plant species and breaches of South Africa's immigration legislation. Sentencing took place on 3 July. The department of forestry, fisheries and the environment said the conviction reflects a broader trend of organised criminal syndicates expanding This is driven by high international demand, particularly in Asian markets. 'These crimes threaten biodiversity, disrupt ecosystems, and push already vulnerable species closer to extinction,' it said. The conviction is a critical milestone in the country's fight against environmental crime, said Environment Minister 'The department will continue to strengthen enforcement, build international partnerships, and work closely with police and prosecutors to stop the illegal trade in wildlife and plants.' George commended the South African Police Service, the National Prosecuting Authority and all other officials involved, including investigating officer Constable Danver Matthys and prosecutor Darryl Bromkamp, for their dedication in securing this outcome.
