Five year Missouri poaching case against 46 ends in Federal Court

Written By: Candice Davis, Missouri Department of Conservation

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) recently wrapped up a major special investigation involving 46 individuals that began in 2008. Operation “Pulling Wool” came to a close on April 25 with a final conviction in Federal Court. The last defendant charged in the operation was found guilty by a United

States Magistrate in Cape Girardeau.

All 46 defendants were found guilty by trial or plea in Federal Court for hunting deer with the aid of dogs on U.S. Forest Service property. The defendants paid a total of $67,425 in fines to the federal court for their actions. Another six defendants were charged with nine total violations in state court in Ripley County. These defendants paid a total of $1,909 in fines and court costs. The combined fines and costs paid by the defendants was $69,334. Additionally, hunting privileges of all the defendants were revoked for periods of one to three years.

“These convictions are a direct result of our mission to protect the fish, forests and wildlife of Missouri,” said Gary Cravens, MDC Protection Regional Supervisor for Ozark Region. “Missouri citizens have asked us to take on this mission, and putting a stop to illegal poaching activities, like deer dogging, helps to ensure Missouri remains a great place to hunt ethically.”

The investigation began in the fall of 2008, when the MDC’s special investigation unit set up an operation targeting illegal poaching activity that was occurring on the Mark Twain National Forest in Ripley County. MDC joined with the USFWS and the US Attorney’s office in St. Louis on operation “Pulling Wool” to stop the deer dogging activity. Deer dogging is illegal and is commonly found in Missouri’s Ozark country in the south-central part of the state. The practice includes using dogs to run deer toward shooters strategically set up at known deer crossings.

These shooters, also known as poachers, use marine band and CB radios to communicate with each other concerning the whereabouts of the dogs and any deer they are chasing. Coupled with the use of automobiles and all-terrain vehicles, deer dogging is an effective and extremely dangerous activity during Missouri’s fall firearms deer hunting seasons.

“Using dogs to hunt whitetails is an illegal and dangerous activity, which works against the majority of Missourians’ efforts to continue traditions of ethical hunting that are celebrated in our state,” said Cravens.

Cravens said most hunters in Missouri are ethical, law abiding citizens, who care deeply about conserving the state’s wildlife resources. One effective way citizens can assist MDC in stopping poaching activities is by reporting poaching activities to the state’s Operation Game Thief (OGT) hotline.The toll-free number is 1-800-392-1111 and is staffed 24-hours a day. Callers may remain anonymous, and may ask to be considered for a reward, ranging from $50 to $1,000. More information about OGT can be found at www.mdc.mo.gov.

Think native when replacing landscape trees

Smart choices can prevent problems.

JEFFERSON CITY–Stately oaks that once shaded front yards lost the battle with drought. Ornamental pear trees that used to bid ironic farewells to winter with blizzards of white blossoms were wrecked by winter storms. As home and business owners set about replacing lost landscape trees, the Missouri Department of Conservation has a word of advice – natives.

The past 12 months have not been pretty for the Show-Me State’s home and community landscapes. Many trees withered in last year’s record-breaking heat and drought. Ash trees and others already stressed by disease, parasites, or storm damage were particularly hard-hit. January and February brought wet, heavy snowfall that ripped limbs from silver maples, Bradford pears, and other fast-growing trees with soft wood.

With every challenge comes opportunity, however. The need to replace trees is a chance to choose varieties that prevent future problems. The first thing to do is not plant trees that are doomed to failure. Ash trees fall in this category, because of the relentless approach of the emerald ash borer.

Bradford and other varieties of the decorative callery pear tree grow fast and flower profusely. However, their fast growth produces soft, weak wood that makes the trees vulnerable to snow, ice, and wind storms.

Another strike against the callery pear is the ability of different sterile varieties of this Asian import to cross pollinate. The resulting seeds grow into trees that are extremely aggressive and thorny. They rapidly take over old fields and displace native trees in forests.

“The thorns on these will make control and removal VERY difficult, certainly dangerous, and definitely costly once they have matured and grown together,” says Forestry Field Programs Supervisor Nick Kuhn.”

Natural History Biologist Susan Farrington says native tree species offer landowners a variety of excellent choices for replacing lost or damaged trees.

“The best tree to substitute for a callery pear is our native serviceberry,” says Farrington. “It blooms just as early, has gorgeous white flowers, great fall color, and great berries that are attractive to birds and humans alike. Serviceberry is a little more difficult to find at nurseries than exotic pears, but it’s well worth the trouble. They are adapted to Missouri’s climate and soils, are less prone to weather damage, and they don’t come with the ecological liabilities of imports.”

Farrington says nurseries specializing in native plants are more likely to sell serviceberry trees.

Missouri’s state tree, the flowering dogwood, blooms a little later than serviceberry and has a highly

White Oak

aesthetic, tiered shape that makes it a favorite of landscapers. The redbud tree, another native, also is well-adapted to Missouri, and its vivid purple blossoms are unexcelled for spring beauty. These and other trees from Missouri stock are best suited to growing here. When possible, buy from locally owned nurseries that grow trees in Missouri.

For replacing larger shade trees, Farrington suggests red or white oaks and red or sugar maples. She cautions against golden rain tree, tree of heaven, and princess tree, all Asian imports that drop lots of litter on the ground and can be invasive. Exotic Norway maples and Amur maples are also highly invasive.

“Just explain to the nursery staff that you want to stick with native trees,” says Farrington. “There are plenty of great trees out there that don’t have all the disadvantages of many imports.”

MDC to hold vehicle and equipment auction June 1 in Salem

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will hold a public auction for various used vehicles and equipment on Saturday, June 1, starting at 10 a.m. at its Salem Maintenance Center, 1715 Hwy 32 West.

The auction will include several dozen vehicles, along with ATVs, trailers, boats, outboard motors and other equipment.

For a list of auction items and procedures, go online to mdc.mo.gov/node/5585. A complete lot listing and terms of the sale will be available at the registration desk the day of the auction.

Pre-registration the day before the auction is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Registration the day of the sale begins at 7:30 a.m. Those interested can also view auction items the day before at the Salem Maintenance Center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Missouri landowners invited to Tree Farm Conference in Kirksville

 Woodland landowners from around the state are invited to attend the 34^th annual Missouri Tree Farm Conference May 31 – June 1 at the Days Inn, 3805 S. Baltimore St., in Kirksville. 

PHOTO OF ED KEYSER: Courtesy MDC

The conference is part of the Missouri Tree Farm Program, which provides help to landowners on woodland management for wildlife and timber production. The Program also helps connect participating landowners to others with similar interests. 

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is cohosting the conference.

“Caring for Missouri’s woods begins with the thousands of Missouri landowners who own them,” said MDC Forestry Field Program Supervisor Brian Schweiss. “We work with many of these landowners to help them sustain healthy forests, fish and wildlife. Whether you have five acres or 1,000, this conference is a great way to get advice on how to care for woods and wildlife.”

Schweiss added that the conference is also an excellent way for landowners to meet others from Missouri with similar interests in caring for their woods for better hunting, beauty and income potential. “In fact, most tree farmers own their woods primarily for recreation, with income as a side benefit,” Schweiss said.

This year’s conference will offer a diverse set of subjects. Friday will focus on workshops about shiitake mushroom and elderberry production for the hobbyist or serious producer.

Saturday morning will include a field trip to 2012 Tree Farmer of the Year Ed Keyser’s farm. Keyser’s 89-acres of woods have been managed for both recreation and revenue. Keyser will provide a history of the tree farm management he uses, including thinning, sales and challenges. There will be discussions on wildlife management and food plots, invasive species control of autumn olive and other invasive vegetation, and deer diseases.

Saturday afternoon will focus on a variety of topics including log identification, log value and benefits, and introduction presentations on mushrooms and elderberry production. A tour of Truman Farm will include visiting a vineyard with a discussion on white oak and the Missouri wine connection, orchard management, and the Truman State University vegetable garden.

Purchased in 1969, Keyser’s land provides him and his family excellent deer and turkey hunting opportunities, which have been enhanced through forest thinning practices to improve food and cover. Trees from the property provide wood heat for his home and logs used for shiitake mushroom production.

After 33 years of ownership, Keyser decided it was time for a timber sale. “I recognized faster growth on my oaks, which resulted from thinning practices,” he said. “In 2002, I conducted my first hardwood timber sale.”

Keyser’s most recent challenge has been the invasion of autumn olive. He has spent several years cutting and treating this unwanted invasive shrub and believes he is at a point where he can annually inspect his woods and treat new invasions.

Hunting, fishing permits unavailable during computer maintenance

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) wants hunters and anglers to know that the purchase of hunting and fishing permits will be unavailable from 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 7, through 7 a.m. on Wednesday, May 8. The brief service interruption is for maintenance to the related computer system. The system maintenance will include online permit purchases and purchases through permit vendors. MDC has minimized the time required for this necessary improvement and thanks hunters and anglers for their patience during this brief service interruption.

Wild edibles hike scheduled at Sam A. Baker State Park May 11

The public will have the opportunity to learn about edible plants on a guided hike on Saturday, May 11, at Sam A. Baker State Park. Sponsored by the Missouri State Parks, the hike will begin at 10 a.m.

During a leisurely stroll on the Shut-Ins Trail, participants will learn about the different types of edible plants, how to identify them, their medicinal and edible purposes, and historical folklore. Those wanting to join the hike should meet at the Mudlick Trail trailhead, across from the park store, and wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes.

Sam A. Baker State Park is located four miles north of Patterson on Highway 143 in Wayne County. For more information on the event or to register, call the park at 573-856-4411. For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Conservation Action April 2013

The Conservation Commission met April 25 and 26 at Conservation Department Headquarters in Jefferson City.  Commissioners present were:

Don C. Bedell, Sikeston, Chair

James T. Blair, IV, St. Louis, Vice Chair

Becky L. Plattner, Grand Pass, Secretary

Don R. Johnson, Festus, Member

The Commission:

Ø  Received presentations from:

·        Education Programs Supervisor Kevin Lohraff regarding the Discover Nature Schools Program.

·        Outreach and Education Division Chief Mike Huffman regarding the Range and Outdoor Education Center Program.

·        Elk Program Coordinator Ron Dent regarding Missouri’s elk-restoration program.

·        Fisheries Programs Specialist Andrew Branson regarding angler recruitment.

Ø  Made the following presentations:

·        Presented 2012 Hunter Education Instructor awards to: Volunteer Instructor Robert A. Mallery, Wright City; Bowhunter Education Volunteer Instructor Bradley Hampton, Ozark; MDC Staff Instructor Tisha Holden, Montreal; and Conservation Agent Instructor Tim Tallent, Sullivan.

·        Presented a proclamation to Glenn Chambers for his artistic collaboration on a bronze reproduction of the world-record non-typical white-tailed deer to commemorate the 75^th anniversary of the Department.

·        Presented a proclamation to retiring Conservation Federation of Missouri Executive Director David Murphy for his noteworthy career and expressing appreciation for his leadership and service to conservation.

Ø  Approved entering into a contract with V. Schneider Enterprises, LTD, O’Fallon, for the construction of the Duck Creek Conservation Area Headquarters Renovation Project in Bollinger County, at a total estimated cost of $365,000.

Ø  Approved entering into a contract with Schlacks, Fulton, for the construction of the Blind Pony Lake Conservation Area Hatchery Production Building Expansion Project located in Saline County, at a total estimated cost of $633,200. Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Program Funds will cover 75 percent of the total project cost.

Ø  Approved the purchase of 353 acres in Atchison County as an addition to Brickyard Hill Conservation Area (CA).

Ø  Approved the sale of a commercial office building at 227 Metro Drive, Jefferson City.

Ø  Received comments from:

·        Robert Brundage, Jefferson City, regarding rulemaking procedures.

·        Gail Melgren, executive director of the Tri State Water Resource Coalition, Springfield, regarding Flow Regimes for Missouri Stream Systems.

Ø  Approved the advertisement and sale of an estimated 1,023,705 board feet of timber from 663 acres of Compartment 21 on Angeline CA in Shannon County.

Ø  Approved the advertisement and sale of an estimated 2.3 million board feet of timber located on 532 acres of Compartment 5, Clearwater CA in Reynolds County.

Ø  Suspended hunting, fishing and/or trapping privileges of 24 Missouri residents and one nonresident for Wildlife Code violations and affirmed actions taken by Missouri courts suspending privileges of two Missouri residents. Those whose privileges were suspended are:

Matthew T. Ackerman, Bonner Springs, Kan., hunting, 1 year

True B. Beisley, Nevada, hunting, 1 year

Bradley L. Bettis, Fair Grove, hunting, 4 years

Matthew A. Brosch, Sedalia, hunting, 4 years

Christopher C. Carl, Blue Springs, hunting, 6 months

Jeremy R. Coleman, Potosi, hunting, 4 years

Gregory T. Crites, Centralia, hunting and fishing, 1 year

Mark S. Dosenbach, Perryville, hunting, 2 years

Christopher J. Gauvain, Sullivan, hunting, 1 year

Andrew T. Gray, Bonne Terre, hunting, 3 years

Roy A. Hansen, Versailles, hunting, 1 year

Dylan W. Hattenhauer, Festus, hunting, 3 years

Justin F. Harrison, Fillmore, all sport privileges, until 2/5/2015

Nicholas L. Henderson, Buffalo, hunting and fishing, 1 year

Gary W. Johnson, Doniphan, hunting, 2 years

Billy J. Jones, Ellington, hunting and fishing, 1 year

Charles L. Lammers, Hartsburg, hunting, 6 months

Harold R. Land, Salem, hunting, 3 years

Preston R. Lytle, Rockport, hunting and trapping, until 12/20/2014

Charles H. McCollum, Brunswick, hunting, 1 year

Stanley B. Richmond, Poplar Bluff, hunting, 1 year

David M. Rotunda, Troy, hunting, 1 year

Scott W. Sales, Independence, hunting, 1 year

Robert E. Schulte, Fair Grove, hunting 3 years

Robert E. Sheppard, Triplett, fishing, 1 year

Delmar W. Willis, Smithton, all sport privileges, 1 year

Bryan L. Wilson, Jerome, fishing, 1 year

Ø   

Ø  Approved the suspension or revocation of all hunting and fishing privileges of 287 people who are not in compliance with applicable child-support laws. Privileges suspended for noncompliance are reinstated once the Division of Child Support Enforcement notifies MDC that suspendees have come into compliance with the required laws.

Ø  Suspended privileges of 213 nonresidents under the provisions of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact.

Ø  Imposed hunting privilege suspensions of six months to two years for four Missouri residents who injured other persons in hunting incidents. The hunters must complete a hunter-education training course before restoration of privileges.

Ø  Set the next regular meeting for May 30-31 in Van Buren.

This document is provided for public information only and is not an official record of the Missouri Department of Conservation or Missouri Conservation Commission.