https://www.wibw.com/2021/02/26/4-mississippi-hunters-fined-48000-for-kansas-violations/
TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - Four men from Mississippi have been banned from hunting anywhere in the world and fined a total of $48,000 for violating wildlife laws in Kansas.
Kenneth R. Britt Jr., 51; Tony Grant Smith, 26; Barney Leon Bairfield III, 28; and Dustin Corey Treadway, 28, were also sentenced to several years of probation, the U.S. Attorney's office said Wednesday.
They pleaded guilty to conspiring to kill wild turkeys in excess of the legal limit and illegally transporting the birds across state lines, prosecutors said in a news release.
The men are from two neighboring towns — Wesson and Brookhaven — in Mississippi.
In 2017 and 2018, they traveled to Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska for spring hunting trip without the required hunting licenses, prosecutors said
During one eight-day trip in 2018, the men bagged at least 26 wild turkeys. Kansas limits hunters to two wild turkey kills per hunter per season.
Copyright 2021 WIBW. All rights reserved.
Good, let em have it. Imagine how many they kill at home in a season! A guy my cousin knows from Arkansas surely pays no attention to any limit on anything for the most part, and it seems quite common!
Glad these guys were caught and now have to pay the price. But the birds will still be hard to replace in those area's. Awesome job law enforcement...
More info in this article
https://www.dailyleader.com/2021/02/24/4-brookhaven-wesson-men-sentenced-for-wildlife-crimes/
Should have been banned for life.
Throw the book at them 5 years for every bird, that will teach them. :blob10:
There are probably few Turkeys at their home base in Mississippi... I feel bad for the Locals there as these outlaws probably killed a Truckload over the Springs before targeting Kansas,etc.
And boy is it going to be Tough for those 4 to sit out this Spring Turkey Season....
Glad they got caught!!
Quote from: quavers59 on February 26, 2021, 06:41:42 PM
There are probably few Turkeys at their home base in Mississippi... I feel bad for the Locals there as these outlaws probably killed a Truckload over the Springs before targeting Kansas,etc.
And boy is it going to be Tough for those 4 to sit out this Spring Turkey Season....
Glad they got caught!!
Amen my friend. Now maybe the locals will have better hunting....let's hope....
This won't stop them.
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Quote from: Sir-diealot on February 26, 2021, 06:13:12 PM
Should have been banned for life.
This would have stopped them.....
I'm in the same area . Believe me , it's plenty more just like them in this region.
Glad they got caught ! Maybe there cousins / brothers etc will take note !!
But sadly , it probably won't
Quote from: Sir-diealot on February 26, 2021, 06:13:12 PM
Should have been banned for life.
x2 - this will stop them and send a message to the rest.
Hard to fathom the lack of love and respect for the wild turkey these guys display.
Howie-g is right. There are plenty of folks around south & central Mississippi that think rules don't apply to them
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Unbelievable selfishness. I just don't understand that mindset. They should make an example of every one they catch.
Glad they got em....trash.
Good to hear, what a bunch of hogs
What they did was idiotic. Yes.
But how can they be banned from hunting by the world. Sorry but the U. S doesn't dictate what someone can or can't do in another country. I have an issue with this statement. This world isn't a global communist world yet.
Quote from: 3chunter on February 26, 2021, 11:29:06 PM
What they did was idiotic. Yes.
But how can they be banned from hunting by the world. Sorry but the U. S doesn't dictate what someone can or can't do in another country. I have an issue with this statement. This world isn't a global communist world yet.
Agree. THIS WON'T STOP THEM! These guys are LIFETIME CRIMINALS. I can guarantee you this wasn't the first time they did this, IT WAS THE FIRST TIME THEY GOT CAUGHT! I find it odd that the fines weren't HIGHER and they didn't get prison time.
I'm pissed off they were referred to as hunters. They ain't hunters, they are poachers. HUGE difference.
Quote from: rstewart8706 on February 27, 2021, 07:21:19 AM
I'm pissed off they were referred to as hunters. They ain't hunters, they are poachers. HUGE difference.
Completely agree!
Thankfully these hogs probably got caught by posting on social media. I talked to a state wildlife official. They are actively monitoring social media to catch some of these morons. However, this will not stop them. How many drunks continue to operate vehicles despite several offenses for DUI? Only when they kill someone do they typically get jail time.
Glad they got caught. I really dislike poachers. That and people who waste meat are 2 things that really set me off.
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Quote from: fallhnt on February 26, 2021, 07:20:52 PM
This won't stop them.
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It never does. What do they have to lose now.
Quote from: bbcoach on February 27, 2021, 07:04:28 AM
Quote from: 3chunter on February 26, 2021, 11:29:06 PM
What they did was idiotic. Yes.
But how can they be banned from hunting by the world. Sorry but the U. S doesn't dictate what someone can or can't do in another country. I have an issue with this statement. This world isn't a global communist world yet.
Agree. THIS WON'T STOP THEM! These guys are LIFETIME CRIMINALS. I can guarantee you this wasn't the first time they did this, IT WAS THE FIRST TIME THEY GOT CAUGHT! I find it odd that the fines weren't HIGHER and they didn't get prison time.
No way to know they are lifetime criminals. Lots of situations may not be dealt with the same way. I don't know the specifics. But every case if different. Did they eat the meat? Do they spend thousands of dollars donating the conservation organizations? Who knows but every situation is different as is punishment. Who am I to say ban them from the world and not be able to even go in the woods to call a turkey. Again don't know specifics. I try not to pass judgement without all facts. 48,000 in fines are heafty to the average 4 people. Does a guy with dui who hurts a person get the punishment of not driving for 5 years and paying this much in fines? Probably close to what these guys did but they didn't hurt or kill anyone so does the punishment really match the crime? I don't know.
Killing too many of something animal wise in my opinion should never rival punishment of other things like armed robbery or assault or dui injury. Just my opinion.
Does someone thoughts change if these guys owned 5000 acres and spent thousands on conservation every year. It sure would make some difference in the overall picture to me atleast. Doesn't make what they did ok but other factors matter to me. Again these guys probably are no good moochers but none of us know them.
Thats nothing, check these guys out, they are from the same area in MS, not far from me. They had a lot of evidence that they posted on facebook, glad they got caught.
https://www.wlbt.com/2020/03/15/wesson-brookhaven-poachers-arrested-illegally-killing-nearly-wild-turkeys/
JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - A group of South Mississippians who are believed to have illegally killed nearly 100 wild turkeys have been charged and arrested.
According to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, the alleged crimes occurred during the 2019 hunting season.
The group of five individuals is thought to be responsible for poaching the turkeys and trespassing on 15 properties across Claiborne, Copiah, Franklin, Jefferson and Lincoln counties.
"This is the most blatant disregard for Mississippi's conservation laws I have seen in my thirty-three years of service with this Agency," said Colonel Steve Adcock.
Thanks for posting...agree with all the sentiments that harsh punishment is required to make this 'sticky' with people...and I will say these are not 4 hunters, they are 4 poachers at best
Quote from: 3chunter on February 27, 2021, 08:41:37 AM
Quote from: bbcoach on February 27, 2021, 07:04:28 AM
Quote from: 3chunter on February 26, 2021, 11:29:06 PM
What they did was idiotic. Yes.
But how can they be banned from hunting by the world. Sorry but the U. S doesn't dictate what someone can or can't do in another country. I have an issue with this statement. This world isn't a global communist world yet.
Agree. THIS WON'T STOP THEM! These guys are LIFETIME CRIMINALS. I can guarantee you this wasn't the first time they did this, IT WAS THE FIRST TIME THEY GOT CAUGHT! I find it odd that the fines weren't HIGHER and they didn't get prison time.
No way to know they are lifetime criminals. Lots of situations may not be dealt with the same way. I don't know the specifics. But every case if different. Did they eat the meat? Do they spend thousands of dollars donating the conservation organizations? Who knows but every situation is different as is punishment. Who am I to say ban them from the world and not be able to even go in the woods to call a turkey. Again don't know specifics. I try not to pass judgement without all facts. 48,000 in fines are heafty to the average 4 people. Does a guy with dui who hurts a person get the punishment of not driving for 5 years and paying this much in fines? Probably close to what these guys did but they didn't hurt or kill anyone so does the punishment really match the crime? I don't know.
Killing too many of something animal wise in my opinion should never rival punishment of other things like armed robbery or assault or dui injury. Just my opinion.
Does someone thoughts change if these guys owned 5000 acres and spent thousands on conservation every year. It sure would make some difference in the overall picture to me atleast. Doesn't make what they did ok but other factors matter to me. Again these guys probably are no good moochers but none of us know them.
I agree with your assessment.
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So, on the one hand, a US attorney fines Turkey poachers $48,000 and bans them from hunting "anywhere in the world" (yeah, try enforcing that). And the same DOJ decides that a federal attorney who admitted to FABRICATING EVIDENCE USED TO INVESTIGATE A SITTING US PRESIDENT receives....wait for it....a $100 fine and six months community service. Yes, throw the book at the poachers, but the lack of equally applied justice is going to destroy this country.
Quote from: fmf on February 27, 2021, 09:01:14 AM
Thats nothing, check these guys out, they are from the same area in MS, not far from me. They had a lot of evidence that they posted on facebook, glad they got caught.
https://www.wlbt.com/2020/03/15/wesson-brookhaven-poachers-arrested-illegally-killing-nearly-wild-turkeys/
JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - A group of South Mississippians who are believed to have illegally killed nearly 100 wild turkeys have been charged and arrested.
According to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, the alleged crimes occurred during the 2019 hunting season.
The group of five individuals is thought to be responsible for poaching the turkeys and trespassing on 15 properties across Claiborne, Copiah, Franklin, Jefferson and Lincoln counties.
"This is the most blatant disregard for Mississippi's conservation laws I have seen in my thirty-three years of service with this Agency," said Colonel Steve Adcock.
that's the same guys dude.....state charges were from the previous year. the state group is much larger though
I mean my honest first reaction (and no offense to anyone here from MS)-but I lived along the Tenn and Miss border the past few years and all I can say is this really doesn't surprise me
28 turkeys in eight days? They had some good land or they baited 'em.
Never heard of "can't hunt anywhere in the world" as part of a punishment. Wow! Glad they got 'em.
Quote from: Dtrkyman on February 26, 2021, 04:15:07 PM
Good, let em have it. Imagine how many they kill at home in a season! A guy my cousin knows from Arkansas surely pays no attention to any limit on anything for the most part, and it seems quite common!
why do you think guys from Mississippi hate Arkansas turkey hunters. Its normal around here.....its a disease. That's why folks want a one bird limit for non res.
Quote from: rstewart8706 on February 27, 2021, 07:21:19 AM
I'm pissed off they were referred to as hunters. They ain't hunters, they are poachers. HUGE difference.
Agree 100%, and reality is this happens way too much across the country.
Guess for the game hogs its like a compulsion. They can't stop, threat or fear of getting caught isn't enough to make them stop. But getting caught will stop them.
You know someone who's poaching more than their legal limits, turn the poachers in. Report them.
Glad these guys where caught
Quote from: notsure on February 27, 2021, 11:23:47 AM
So, on the one hand, a US attorney fines Turkey poachers $48,000 and bans them from hunting "anywhere in the world" (yeah, try enforcing that). And the same DOJ decides that a federal attorney who admitted to FABRICATING EVIDENCE USED TO INVESTIGATE A SITTING US PRESIDENT receives....wait for it....a $100 fine and six months community service. Yes, throw the book at the poachers, but the lack of equally applied justice is going to destroy this country.
Yep. Like button hit.
Quote from: notsure on February 27, 2021, 11:23:47 AM
So, on the one hand, a US attorney fines Turkey poachers $48,000 and bans them from hunting "anywhere in the world" (yeah, try enforcing that). And the same DOJ decides that a federal attorney who admitted to FABRICATING EVIDENCE USED TO INVESTIGATE A SITTING US PRESIDENT receives....wait for it....a $100 fine and six months community service. Yes, throw the book at the poachers, but the lack of equally applied justice is going to destroy this country.
Fines are not imposed by DOJ, they are the prosecutors, the sentence including the fine is imposed by the Judge/Court. Having been around the courts most of my adult life the violated law sets the punishment for the offense and then the courts then impose that punishment. The aforementioned is the simplistic explanation there can be other factors that play into the decision of what the sentence will include. With the sentence imposed in this case it certainly would appear there were other factors involved.
Not near enough fines levied against them
It's bad everywhere. The worst I've seen are at the Indian reservations where you pay for each bird. I've seen grown men shoot every jake they see just to go back home and say they killed 8. Grown men acting like 10 yr olds. They same guys wonder why the population is down.
Heck fire! There are some guys that have already started hunting here in Mississippi. I'm sure it's bad everywhere but dog gone it's bad here! There is not much difference in private and public here. It's pretty well all public to quite a few. I have caught some in person and have put cameras on the roads and taken pictures of others. I mainly hunt private. I wouldn't dare take my son on public here in the south. If I ever have to kill a turkey before or after season, killing way too many, over bait, off the roost or with a rifle I will QUIT! I have no respect for a man that behaves this way. These low life's give all turkey hunters a bad name. Here in the south the general public seems to view turkey hunters as outlaws, poachers, cheats. It's very discouraging for us moral turkey hunters.
It seems to be more of the fellas in there 50's and 60's than the younger guys.
We need more game wardens here. It's unbelievable how few we have.
I will quit my fussing now!
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podcast with the game wardens that broke the case. Its pretty sickening.
https://mossyoakgamekeeper.com/podcasts/ep83-turkey-poaching-ring-busted/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2022-3-23%20%7C%20Planting%20for%20pollinators%20%28VGmrfb%29&_kx=wgspar1GWOx1qJDBhlW56P_yBtb_P-BKsIB5QmH_t9U%3D.Y9XiZ2
This comment will enrage some here but I see a trend that is all too prevalent today. I am glad the guys got caught for what they have done which is a serious blow to the local turkey population and unfair to those who hunt according to the law. But it amazes me when I read these types of things on hunting forums how the replies are from "choir boys." I have found after 75 years on the planet that those who preach righteouness have done wrong and some continue to do so. I know a few of these people who rat out others but kill turkeys for the length of the season. I don't approve of what they have done but ever hear of the line, "cast the first stone".
How does one get banned from hunting "anywhere in the world?" I feel like thats unrealistic.
There is a system in place in the states, Game and Fish are all connected, if your rights are revoked anywhere they all know it.
Maybe some other countries are involved now also? Doubt a bunch of southern boys are headed out of the country to poach!
Quote from: Tail Feathers on February 27, 2021, 01:53:05 PM
28 turkeys in eight days? They had some good land or they baited 'em.
Never heard of "can't hunt anywhere in the world" as part of a punishment. Wow! Glad they got 'em.
The podcast the wardens said they would see turkeys and one guy would drop another guy off. They were tresspassing and they had no licenses. One offender told the warden "With a crow call and a set of knee pads I could kill every turkey in KS".
Someone please educate this ol country boy...
How can a US court impose or enforce a "world wide" ban? On hunting, or anything else for that matter?
Don't get me wrong. I am glad these guys got punished. But our court system doesn't have jurisdiction over the entire world, do they?
Here is an article that summarizes the podcast.
https://www.mossyoak.com/our-obsession/blogs/the-largest-wild-turkey-poaching-arrest-in-history (https://www.mossyoak.com/our-obsession/blogs/the-largest-wild-turkey-poaching-arrest-in-history)
Quote from: rifleman on March 24, 2022, 09:13:37 AM
This comment will enrage some here but I see a trend that is all too prevalent today. I am glad the guys got caught for what they have done which is a serious blow to the local turkey population and unfair to those who hunt according to the law. But it amazes me when I read these types of things on hunting forums how the replies are from "choir boys." I have found after 75 years on the planet that those who preach righteouness have done wrong and some continue to do so. I know a few of these people who rat out others but kill turkeys for the length of the season. I don't approve of what they have done but ever hear of the line, "cast the first stone".
From the article:
"Amidst investigation, they discovered that three of the main poachers had killed 26 turkeys in Nebraska and Kansas in just three days. Texts revealed that they had a contest amongst themselves to see who could kill the most—the "winner" killed 9 turkeys.
And in Mississippi, their home territory, the officers were able to prove about 70 turkey kills from February to April on 15 pieces of private land. "Prove" being a key word here, as there were plenty of turkeys kills that weren't charged due to questionable evidence...
After months of research and months of fitting together every puzzle piece, the officers nailed the poachers with charges of nearly 100 illegal turkey kills across Mississippi, Kansas, and Oklahoma in the 2018-2019 season. One person killed 16 turkeys in the span of two months alone, another poacher 15." At what point does a wrong become bad enough that someone can comment on it without being self righteous? I don't know where exactly that line is, but I know poaching over 100 turkeys in a year is way, way over it.
Delmar, I am glad that these guys were caught and fined accordingly. I know several that take more than they are allowed. I know one guy who keeps his total take of beards each year in a shoe box marked with the year and the boxes are full. He is one well known for calling DNR on others offenders. "Choir boy" as far as DNR is concerned, that is what I am referring to. Do as I say, not as I do group.
Sentence should be no entering any WMA, national or state forest . Put a tracker on there trucks simple to do and make them wear a monitoring bracelet to keep track of them while on probation . Nice ankle monitor .
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Rifleman, I understand now. That is hypocritical and terrible.
Poaching is unfortunately far too common in Mississippi, especially amongst my generation. It definitely seems like poachers like the guys in this case are the kind who love to get in a pissing match about how many turkeys they kill along with how many fences they had to hop to do so. I don't see a moral renaissance happening amongst poachers anytime soon; hopefully the state can get the funds it needs to curtail the problem. The article mentions reaching out to state representatives, which I think is a great idea.
From the article:
"To a Gamekeeper and to any wildlife enthusiast, especially those passionate about the wild turkey, the punishment doesn't seem to fit the crime. As work is done to harshen poaching laws across the country, help can be accomplished by reporting anything suspicious you see to 1-800-BESMART. It's a 24/7 anonymous line to report trespassers, word among the community about a person killing more than is legally allowed—anything that would raise concern, no matter how small.
Captain Herrington of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks says, "It's extremely helpful for the public to be involved. Things like this are not invisible. People notice these kinds of things every year. They may think, 'oh, it's nothing.' But it's not."
And Mississippi residents can call their senators and or the commissioners with the Department of Wildlife and request change to the current laws. It all begins with a grassroots initiative to better protect the game and fish in your area."
I dunno, I would be all for allowing the landowners to sue them for damages as well as give them one free kick to the giblets for every time they trespassed on their property. Steel toes boots would be allowed.
I listened to the pod cast regarding this case yesterday. These guys are slobs and thieves and I think they got off easy. They should have lost there hunting privileges for life as well as be on the wildlife violator compact for life. The DNR should also be able to drop in on these guys anytime unannounced and have the authority to search anything they see fit. If that is not doable, how about ankle bracelets and GPS on there vehicles, and they (the violator slobs) would have to pay for the monitoring. This may seem extreme, but what these slobs did is extreme and there actions deserves dire consequences.
Did they ever say thier names. I believe they should be put in jail along with the fines!
Quote from: MISSISSIPPI Double beard on March 25, 2022, 12:30:21 PM
Did they ever say thier names. I believe they should be put in jail along with the fines!
it's in the very first post
Quote from: TonyTurk on March 24, 2022, 02:32:46 PM
Someone please educate this ol country boy...
How can a US court impose or enforce a "world wide" ban? On hunting, or anything else for that matter?
Don't get me wrong. I am glad these guys got punished. But our court system doesn't have jurisdiction over the entire world, do they?
TonyTurk
You are correct no US court would have jurisdiction outside the country. I would think this was probably some journalist license with wording or a misunderstanding of the verdict. As this case was prosecuted Federally, probably under the Lacy Act, I would think it applies in all States and US Territories. Not sure if Wild Life Agencies have compacts like DMV drivers licenses but if there are, then as mentioned, it will show up in all agreed agencies. Lastly, that fine has a great deal of significance, if they fail to pay the fine, then the courts can bring back in. Lastly, if there is a search clause in their probation then the offender can be searched while they remain on probation.
Quote from: NCL on March 27, 2022, 11:20:44 AM
Quote from: TonyTurk on March 24, 2022, 02:32:46 PM
Someone please educate this ol country boy...
How can a US court impose or enforce a "world wide" ban? On hunting, or anything else for that matter?
Don't get me wrong. I am glad these guys got punished. But our court system doesn't have jurisdiction over the entire world, do they?
TonyTurk
You are correct no US court would have jurisdiction outside the country. I would think this was probably some journalist license with wording or a misunderstanding of the verdict. As this case was prosecuted Federally, probably under the Lacy Act, I would think it applies in all States and US Territories. Not sure if Wild Life Agencies have compacts like DMV drivers licenses but if there are, then as mentioned, it will show up in all agreed agencies. Lastly, that fine has a great deal of significance, if they fail to pay the fine, then the courts can bring back in. Lastly, if there is a search clause in their probation then the offender can be searched while they remain on probation.
There is a compact among wildlife agencies in the U. S. and it pretty much covers all 50 states. Lose your hunting and fishing privileges in one state and you have lost them in all I believe.
They are poachers. It didn't bother them to do it when they had licenses, doubt it will bother them to much now that they don't...they will just be a lot more careful. The one thing that might help stop them would be if they were convicted as felons. Then they should lose their gun rights...at least for awhile.