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OGT Call Proves
Otterly Accurate
By SGW Beady May
REPRINTED FROM TAHLEQUAH DAILY PRESS
Man charged in "River Otter Case"
Tahlequah Daily Press, March 17, 2004

Charges were filed Tuesday against a Welling man who allegedly shot and killed a river otter near the Salvation Army's Camp Heart O'Hills. The man was charged with hunting without a license,which is punishable by a fine of $25-100, up to 30 days in jail, or both; and hunting in closed season, which carries a $500 - $1,000 fine, 1030 days in jail, or both.

"River Otters were introduced to the state from some live-trapped pairs from Louisiana in the 1980's," said Game Warden Brady May, who, along with Game Warden Tony Clark, confiscated the dead otter. "They're making a comeback, but it's still closed season statewide; you can't live-trap them either."

May said the charges stem from an on-going investigation that resulted from an Operation Game Thief call.

Operation Game Thief allows anyone to anonymously report illegal hunting activities by calling 1-800-522-8039.

Case Update: The following illegal otter case originated from the Tahlequah Daily Press in northeastern Oklahoma's Cherokee county. Tahlequah is home to Oklahoma's scenic Illinois river and Barren Fork Creek which is frequently visited by canoe enthusiasts and fishermen from all over. The defendant was found guilty on both counts and charged a total of $791.00 and given a six month deferred sentence on the jail time. Increased awareness from this published case along with continued protection from northeastern Oklahoma Game Wardens will increase the opportunities for those enjoying Oklahoma's scenic areas to maybe catch a glimpse at this Oklahoma success story.




	Back to the Magazine Index OGT Call Proves Otterly Accurate By SGW Beady May REPRINTED FROM TAHLEQUAH DAILY PRESS Man charged in "River Otter Case" Tahlequah Daily Press, March 17, 2004 Charges were filed Tuesday against a Welling man who allegedly shot and killed a river otter near the Salvation Army's Camp Heart O'Hills. The man was charged with hunting without a license,which is punishable by a fine of $25-100, up to 30 days in jail, or both; and hunting in closed season, which carries a $500 - $1,000 fine, 1030 days in jail, or both. "River Otters were introduced to the state from some live-trapped pairs from Louisiana in the 1980's," said Game Warden Brady May, who, along with Game Warden Tony Clark, confiscated the dead otter. "They're making a comeback, but it's still closed season statewide; you can't live-trap them either." May said the charges stem from an on-going investigation that resulted from an Operation Game Thief call. Operation Game Thief allows anyone to anonymously report illegal hunting activities by calling 1-800-522-8039. Case Update: The following illegal otter case originated from the Tahlequah Daily Press in northeastern Oklahoma's Cherokee county. Tahlequah is home to Oklahoma's scenic Illinois river and Barren Fork Creek which is frequently visited by canoe enthusiasts and fishermen from all over. The defendant was found guilty on both counts and charged a total of $791.00 and given a six month deferred sentence on the jail time. Increased awareness from this published case along with continued protection from northeastern Oklahoma Game Wardens will increase the opportunities for those enjoying Oklahoma's scenic areas to maybe catch a glimpse at this Oklahoma success story. Back to the Magazine Index
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