Men get prison for poaching in WNC
Four-year probe uncovers illegal bear, deer hunting in WNC national forests
BRYSON CITY — A judge sentenced seven men to time in prison for poaching bears and deer and other illegal hunting activities on national forests in Western North Carolina after they were charged following a years-long law enforcement probe.
The arrests were the result of a four-year undercover investigation called Operation Something Bruin, in which officers infiltrated poaching circles to document violations, said Anne Tompkins, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Ten defendants pleaded guilty and were sentenced this week in U.S. District Court in Bryson City by Magistrate Judge Dennis Howell. Seven of the men received prison terms of up to 30 days.
“We anticipate that the success of Operation Something Bruin will send a strong message to poachers and would-be violators to think twice before they engage in illegal hunting activities,” Tompkins said. “Together with our federal and state law enforcement partners we will combine forces to combat illegal hunting, protect our wildlife and conserve our natural resources.”
Officials announced in February that the undercover operation netted 81 wildlife violators and some 980 violations in WNC and northern Georgia. About 100 wildlife officers began serving warrants at the time.
Posing as hunters and using social media to make contacts, officers with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources infiltrated groups suspected of poaching.
Officials said the violations included:
• Bear baiting
• Illegal taking of bears, deer and other wildlife;
• Illegal use of dogs: and
• Operation of illegal bear enclosures and guiding hunts on national forest lands without the required permits.
“The continued success of Operation Something Bruin is a fine example of state and federal agencies coordinating efforts to protect the resources of our national forests,” said Steve Ruppert, special agent in charge with the U.S. Forest Service.
Photo Copyright Jim Robertson
Exposing the Big Game 
30 days? That’s it? They should be sentenced to 30 years in prison.
Yep
Agreed, but I can think of things far worse than prison on the scale of what they truly deserve.
it’s better than the case of wildlife service’s employee jamie olson who was exonerated even tho’ there are pictures of his dogs attacking a coyote caught in a trap.
That was an outrage!
Reblogged this on Sherlockian's Blog and commented:
Finally, justice catches up with the hunter.
I hardly think 30 days is going to stop those fools who are inclined to do this. What about steep fines? They don’t have to pay, either?? Glad they caught them, but they should have had hunting licenses revoked as well. Still a LONG WAY to go. Why are they so afraid to sock it to these people??
Good question Gail.
This is one sting, imagine how many others are poaching, violating laws and abusing wildlife. law must change
Banning sport hunting would be a start
Reblogged this on Carinas space and commented:
Yay!! Prison sentences!!
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