Poachers in AZ: May Commission meeting

Thanks to everyone who commented on our FB posts about two of the poaching cases on the May Arizona Game and Fish Commission agenda! We thought it would be easier to answer some of your questions and provide more information on the blog.

The two cases we posted came-out of Mohave County. That's impressive! Each case had unusual elements and either local law enforcement or Game and Fish stepped-up at the investigation, arrest or prosecution phases.

Each month the Commission hears poaching cases as part of its regular meeting agenda. They are always heard on Friday at 2 pm. You can attend in person at Game and Fish Headquaters (Carefree Highway 1 mile west of Interstate 17, north of Phoenix, online at AZ Game & Fish website or at one of six regional offices around the state.

Poaching cases come before the Commission for license revocations and civil assessments AFTER poachers have been convicted (found guilty) and sentenced in criminal court. These cases are misdemeanors so they are adjudicated in municipal or justice courts around the state.

Thanks to an Operation Game Thief tipster--Steven Wannebo, a Minnesota resident, was arrested by Arizona Game & Fish while he was checking his trap line and booked into Mohave County jail on four counts of setting leghold traps on State Trust Land, three counts of trapping within a half mile of a residence, cross country travel and driving on a revoked license. He pled guilty and was fined $3,200.

Edwin C. Jess drove a golf cart (in front of several animal lovers- he said) to a pond adjacent to Riverview Resort Golf Course. He then attacked a great blue heron that was landing on the pond, beating him to death with a golf club. Jess was charged with animal cruelty and killing an animal out of season and was convicted on both charges. There is no season for great blue herons. ADLA was pleased to see animal cruelty charges filed along with the criminal violation of Game & Fish statutes.

The Commission revoked both mens' licenses to hunt, trap and fish in Arizona for five years and imposed a civil assessment for the "value" of the animals taken. Those revocations typically result in revocations in the poachers' home states and other states where they may hunt or fish.

Operation Game Thief's number is 1-800-352-0700.