Page 8 - July/August 2022 Outdoor Oklahoma

GAME WARDEN’S JOURNAL

ACCOUNTS FROM THE FIELD BY THE PUBLIC SERVANTS WHO ENFORCE THE FISH
AND WILDLIFE LAWS OF OKLAHOMA

Oklahoma Game Warden Ben Radke, based in Dewey
County, is asking for the public’s assistance in solving two
cases of elk poaching. On March 18, Radke received a
report of two dead bull elk. The first poaching occurred
between Camargo and Leedey, along the South Canadi-
an River near county roads
2090 and 740.
IT’S THE LAW: The heads and antlers
HOG (FERAL SWINE) of both bull elk had been
removed. The carcasses
NIGHT-SHOOTING EXEMPTION consisted of only some

Feral swine may be taken on private land bones and some hide,
year-round from one-half hour before sunrise indicating the carcasses
to one-half hour after sunset using any method had been there for some
of take. A free night-shooting exemption is time. The carcasses were
available online at wildlifedepartment.com, on about 100 yards apart. The wanton disregard for these majestic animals and
the GoOutdoorsOklahoma mobile app, or from Evidence indicating both the wildlife laws protecting them is an egregious crime.
a Game Warden. It allows a landowner or his/her elk were poached during Please call Radke at (580) 623-3255 with any informa-
written designee to take feral swine at night on the closed season was collect- tion about these elk poaching cases so justice may be
registered property. Other shooters must carry a ed from the scene. served. Reports may also be made anonymously to the
copy of the exemption and landowner’s written Radke then received Operation Game Thief hot line at (800) 522-8039. A
permission. Other restrictions apply during big- a report of a third dead reward up to $500 is possible for information leading
game hunting seasons. NOTE: Effective Nov. 1, bull elk, northwest of to an arrest and conviction.
2022, state law will allow landowners, ag lessees Webb, near county roads
or their designated agent with written permission 2160 and 750. This bull (Reports from the Oklahoma Game Wardens Face-
to control nuisance or damage by feral swine or elk was known to fre- book page.)
coyotes during day or night, quent the property, as it
without an ODWC permit, to was frequently seen on EDITOR’S NOTE: Please help make a difference!
protect crops, livestock, feed, trail cameras in the area. When violators break the law, they steal fish and
or seed, except during deer Game Wardens went to wildlife from you! Report violations anonymously by
gun hunting seasons. the scene and gathered calling Operation Game Thief at (800) 522-8039. You
evidence. could earn a cash reward.

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