Caught in the Act: Utah couple convicted of fraud and wildlife crimes in Nevada

Posted on by
NDOW illegal hunting
NDOW & MGN

After a thorough investigation, two people were found guilty of several wildlife offenses.

The offenses including unlawful hunting and residency fraud, related to the illegal harvest of a mule deer in Hunt Unit 114 on the Utah-Nevada border, mostly in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. 

Officers from the Utah Division of Natural Resources (DNR) tipped the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) in December 2022 about a resident of Panguitch, Utah, who reportedly used a fake resident hunting tag to kill a huge 5×4 mule deer in Nevada.

According to NDOW, the person was not eligible for the resident tag used in the hunt as investigators verified that they had lived in Utah for more than three years.

Authorities discovered through search warrants and investigative methods that the spouse of the person in question, who filled out applications and obtained licenses under false pretenses, was responsible for the fraudulent application and tag purchases.

Both people were charged with felonies, gross misdemeanors, and misdemeanor wildlife offenses following an in-depth review of official papers, bank records, and digital evidence.

The primary suspect’s hunting privileges were suspended for five years after they entered a guilty plea to aiding and abetting unlawful possession, a serious offense.

The offender was also given a 12-month probationary period with stringent conditions, a 60-day suspended jail sentence, and a total loss of 36 hunting bonus points.

In addition, a $4,999.99 joint civil penalty was imposed on both parties.

In addition to sharing the civil penalty, the second person was found guilty of a misdemeanor offense, which led to license suspension and financial penalties exceeding $600.

“This case could not have been solved without the crucial collaboration between NDOW and Utah DNR, this case exemplifies the importance of interagency partnerships in protecting wildlife and enforcing conservation laws.”

– said Lieutenant Anderson 

According to NDOW, a hunting or fishing license suspension in one participating state is recognized and enforced in all other member states under the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact (IWVC), which prohibits someone from getting a license in another state.

They say Alaska is the only state not included in this pact, which covers 49 states.

Therefore, thee two people who were given a five-year hunting right suspension will thus not be able to get a license in any of the states that are involved.

NDOW says residency fraud is still a major problem that undermines conservation financing and denies opportunity to legitimate hunters.

The significance of public collaboration in safeguarding animal resources is highlighted by this example. 

NDow says sportsmen and the general public can utilize the new NDOW Tip app or the OGT hotline at (800) 992-3030 to report wildlife crime. 

Leave a comment