The California Department of Fish and Wildlife, along with the Modoc County District Attorney’s Office, has recently concluded a poaching investigation that led to significant repercussions for the perpetrator, as per an announcement made by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW).
Details emerged of the case involving Earnest Davis, a 53-year-old Clayton resident, who was caught illegally poaching a pronghorn antelope with a bow on private property in Modoc County, an area known for strict wildlife regulation due to declining animal populations. This case unfolded after the CDFW received a tip from the public through CALTIP.
Davis was contacted at his home after an investigation that included interviews, site canvassing, and analysis of digital records. The case led to a no-contest plea to violating California Fish and Game Code Section 2016 during an arraignment last Thursday, with additional violations being dismissed. This resulted in one-year summary probation, loss of hunting privileges, forfeiture of the game, a mandatory hunter education course, and a $3,000 restitution fee.
Modoc County District Attorney Nina Salarno emphasized the seriousness with which they take such criminal matters and their commitment to legal hunting practices, stating, “We understand the importance of individuals following CDFW regulations. Our office will continue to do our part in prosecuting and raising awareness on illegal hunting, ensuring public safety and assisting in big game population management,” as per the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
CDFW’s Chief of Law Enforcement, Nathanial Arnold, reiterated the department’s intolerance for poaching practices, and the department’s gratitude was extended to the District Attorney’s Office for their cooperation. Arnold announced, “We have zero tolerance for poaching and those who would cheat the system and undermine the opportunities Californians have to legally hunt pronghorn antelope in this state,” which was highlighted in the recent publication by CDFW.
This article by Tony Ng was first published by Hoodline on 6 February 2025. Lead Image: Source: California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
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