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Dallas man caught with dead whooper faces jail time and big fine
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| New view Contractors are in the process of renovating the Beachfront Pavilion at the Rockport Beach Park. New windows on the ski basin side have been installed. When completed, the Beachfront Pavilion will be a more pleasing venue. The Beachfront and Saltwater pavilions are rented on a regular basis through the City of Rockport. City Parks & Leisure Services Director Tom Staley said the upgrade makes a world of difference at the facility. Photo by MIKE PROBST |
Dallas resident Donald W. Jones was charged last week, according to federal information, with transportation of wildlife taken and possessed in violation of law, in violation of a federal law according to United States Attorney Jane J. Boyle.
If convicted, Jones faces a maximum statutory sentence of one year imprisonment and a $100,000 fine. Jones, 48, will appear before United States District Judge Jerry Buchmeyer on Dec. 12 for his arraignment.
The information charges on Nov. 14, 2003, Jones knowingly transported various species of migratory birds, including a whooping crane, a Gadwall, a blue-winged teal and a northern shoveler, when he should have known the wildlife was taken and possessed in violation of law, specifically the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, whooping cranes are also listed as endangered under federal law. The crane recovered from Jones is believed to be one of four spotted in the Lake Bardwell area, south of Dallas, during the week of Nov. 10.
The bird was apparently shot late Friday, Nov. 14. Biologists believe the three remaining birds left the area Sunday, resuming their annual migration south for the winter.
There are an estimated 318 wild whooping cranes within the United States.
The other waterfowl in Jones' possession, Gadwall, blue-winged teal, and northern shoveler, are species which can legally be hunted during the waterfowl season in Texas. That season, however, was not open when the birds were killed.
Special agent in charge of law enforcement Richard McDonald said, "Waterfowl hunters have many opportunities each year to enjoy a resource that belongs to all Americans, and most do so within the boundaries set by federal and state regulations. There are specific times set aside for hunting and no open seasons at all for whooping cranes."
H. Dale Hall, Southwest U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service regional director added, "We hope the charges in this case remind hunters and the public of our shared responsibility to conserve the nation's migratory birds."
McDonald explained, "The law enforcement partnership between the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Texas Parks and Wildlife led to the quick apprehension and resolution to this phase of the investigation."
Col. James Stinebaugh, director of law enforcement at TPWD, said, "I'm proud of our game warden, who just graduated from our academy five months ago. He did a thorough job while checking this duck hunter and discovered this whooping crane. We are pleased to be working on this case with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service."
The case is being investigated by agents of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and game wardens with the TPWD. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark D. McBride.
If convicted, Jones faces a maximum statutory sentence of one year imprisonment and a $100,000 fine. Jones, 48, will appear before United States District Judge Jerry Buchmeyer on Dec. 12 for his arraignment.
The information charges on Nov. 14, 2003, Jones knowingly transported various species of migratory birds, including a whooping crane, a Gadwall, a blue-winged teal and a northern shoveler, when he should have known the wildlife was taken and possessed in violation of law, specifically the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, whooping cranes are also listed as endangered under federal law. The crane recovered from Jones is believed to be one of four spotted in the Lake Bardwell area, south of Dallas, during the week of Nov. 10.
The bird was apparently shot late Friday, Nov. 14. Biologists believe the three remaining birds left the area Sunday, resuming their annual migration south for the winter.
There are an estimated 318 wild whooping cranes within the United States.
The other waterfowl in Jones' possession, Gadwall, blue-winged teal, and northern shoveler, are species which can legally be hunted during the waterfowl season in Texas. That season, however, was not open when the birds were killed.
Special agent in charge of law enforcement Richard McDonald said, "Waterfowl hunters have many opportunities each year to enjoy a resource that belongs to all Americans, and most do so within the boundaries set by federal and state regulations. There are specific times set aside for hunting and no open seasons at all for whooping cranes."
H. Dale Hall, Southwest U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service regional director added, "We hope the charges in this case remind hunters and the public of our shared responsibility to conserve the nation's migratory birds."
McDonald explained, "The law enforcement partnership between the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Texas Parks and Wildlife led to the quick apprehension and resolution to this phase of the investigation."
Col. James Stinebaugh, director of law enforcement at TPWD, said, "I'm proud of our game warden, who just graduated from our academy five months ago. He did a thorough job while checking this duck hunter and discovered this whooping crane. We are pleased to be working on this case with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service."
The case is being investigated by agents of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and game wardens with the TPWD. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark D. McBride.
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cheri palmer wrote on Mar 15, 2009 10:38 PM: