The following are excerpts from recent Texas Parks and Wildlife Department law enforcement reports
Shell Shocked
A state biologist contacted a warden about an inquiry made by a local elementary school regarding rehabilitating Texas tortoises. After learning more about the situation, the warden determined that the school was keeping approximately 24 tortoises inside a small atrium on school property. Unfortunately, the tortoises were a threatened species and unable to be possessed by any individual or entity. School staff stated that several years ago they acquired two tortoises and over the years, students brought more tortoises into the facility. The warden arrived at the school to collect the tortoises for TPWD assisted relocation. In doing so, the curious students and staff gathered around the atrium to watch. The warden made use of the attention by turning the removal into an impromptu educational program on the tortoises and their natural habitat. The tortoises were later released at a nearby ranch in prime Texas tortoise habitat.
Old Fishing Buddy
Texas Game Wardens were patrolling for water safety and recreational fishing activity when they received information regarding a boat that potentially possessed over the daily bag limit of red snapper. The Wardens located the unoccupied boat moored at a dock. Upon performing an inspection, 21 red snapper were found on board, exceeding the individual fishing limit. Wardens attempted to contact the occupants of the house where the boat was docked. After approximately 30 minutes of knocking, announcing, speaking with neighbors and attempting to call the suspect and his family members, an individual exited the residence. The suspect was immediately evasive when questioned about the red snapper in the boat. He stated he had caught them with five other people but only provided one name. The Wardens contacted the individual who stated he had not talked to the suspect in 15 years. The suspect admitted to going over his daily bag limit to the wardens. Seventeen red snappers were seized, and citations issued, along with civil restitution.
Hold the Pepper
In September, a Bexar County game warden received a call from Austin communications about dove hunters peppering local residences with shotgun pellets. Upon arrival to the field, the warden observed two gentlemen hunting. As he drove up to the individuals, one of the gentlemen stood up and shot a bird that fell a few yards from him. The warden proceeded to complete a hunting check. He spoke with the individual and asked if he was aware of the type of bird he had just shot. The hunter did not know. The warden informed him that the bird was an American kestrel, a protected bird of prey, and is not allowed to be hunted or harvested. The warden checked the other hunters in the group and discussed the issues around peppering, ensuring their shotgun pellets did not cross property lines. A citation was issued for harvesting a protected species. The case and civil restitution are pending.
Off the Road Again
An Amarillo district game warden was patrolling in Potter County after dark when he was notified about an injured individual who had been “run over” by an all-terrain vehicle. The warden responded immediately. He found one adult male hit by an ATV and suffering non-life-threatening injuries to his legs. The victim and other eyewitnesses at the scene identified another adult male as the driver of the ATV. Upon speaking with the driver of the ATV, the warden noticed that he had heavily slurred speech patterns, glassy/bloodshot eyes, and the odor of alcohol emitting from his breath. The victim of the collision was transported to an Amarillo hospital. The driver of the ATV admitted hitting the victim with the ATV and was subsequently arrested for driving while intoxicated and deadly conduct. The driver was booked into the Potter County Jail without incident.
Caught on Camera
In September, a Tyler County game warden received information on individuals potentially participating in road hunting. The warden worked with a landowner setting up surveillance cameras in their field. Not long after he set up the monitoring system, he observed a slow-moving vehicle spotlighting and headed towards his location. The warden initiated a traffic stop, determining the subjects were hunting at night. Inside the vehicle, the warden located a loaded .22 long rifle. Additionally, the subject was a minor operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Charges are pending.