Nevada game wardens concerned by increase in illegal waterfowl kills
Submitted by editor on Mon, 02/06/2017 - 9:24am
Game wardens noted an alarming increase in illegally, sometimes mistakenly, killed waterfowl at the end of the waterfowl hunting season that closed on Jan. 29 at the Key Pittman and the Overton Wildlife Management Areas in Southern Nevada.
Game wardens investigated two illegally killed pelicans, 10 cormorants and five swans, making it a deadly year for the many protected species of waterfowl at these two management areas.
“We sometimes see troubling trends like this, but this is the worst series of illegal kills that I’ve ever seen in a concentrated area over such a short time period,” said Jessop Boden, one of the NDOW game wardens who investigated several of the illegal kills.
Game wardens investigated the unlawful killing of five swans and issued numerous misdemeanor citations at both Key Pittman and Overton WMA as there is no open season for swans anywhere in Southern Nevada. Some people who killed swans mistook them for geese.
“You have to know your target,” said Game Warden Cameron Waithman, another officer whose been working on these investigations. “Some of these kills are simple species misidentification, but there’s no excuse for mistaking a pelican for a goose.”
Game wardens also investigated the unlawful hunting and killing of 10 cormorants and two pelicans with several citations being issued at both Key Pittman and Overton WMA. Cormorants are a protected species under the migratory bird treaty act as are pelicans, making both species entirely unlawful to kill or hunt.
Several citations were also issued for hunting migratory birds with unplugged shotguns, a misdemeanor offense in and of itself, according to Waithman.
While most waterfowl hunters checked by game wardens are in compliance with state law, game wardens over the last several weeks have seen an increase in careless and unlawful hunting practices. “We plan to institute an aggressive education program for this area before the season opens again in the fall,” said NDOW Chief Game Warden Tyler Turnipseed.
Sportsmen that witness illegal take of wildlife are urged to contact Operation Game Thief (OGT) at (800) 992-3030. Follow Turnipseed on Twitter for the most up to date information on wildlife investigations in Nevada @Chief_GW_NV.
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, and promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. Find us on Facebook, Twitter or visit us at www.ndow.org.
