Indiana Conservation Officers Investigating Cases Of Illegal Taking Of A Wild Turkey And Squirrels
Posted
Staff Report-
NORTH WEBSTER – Indiana conservation officers in northern Indiana recently investigated the illegal taking of squirrels and a young turkey in separate incidents as the fall hunting seasons get fully underway. According to an Indiana Department of Natural Resources press release, “Officer Dustin Whitehead reports that an ongoing investigation is being conducted involving the illegal taking of a young turkey from an Elkhart County residence. Brett Bailey, 29, of Elkhart is a suspect in an ongoing investigation stemming from an incident that occurred on the evening of Oct. 14.” The release states that Bailey allegedly shot and killed a young turkey with a pellet rifle that was in his yard on Vista Lane. An anonymous call to the Turn In a Poacher line reported that Bailey had shot the turkey then threw it in his trash can. Whitehead located the turkey and interviewed Bailey regarding the incident. The investigation is ongoing and charges have not yet been filed in this case. In a separate case in Kosciusko County, officers Nick Vander Molen and Nathan Hooley investigated the illegal taking of squirrels from the Tri County Fish and Wildlife Area which allegedly occurred Oct. 15 at approximately 2:30 p.m. Willain Kyi, 20, of Fort Wayne, and Ka Lau, 34, also of Fort Wayne, were charged with one count each of illegal taking of game and will be summoned into the Kosciukso County Superior Court. Officers used the Indiana Conservation Officer K9 team of officer Jon Fennig and K9 Abby to track and locate the suspects near Bass Pond, the press release states. After interviewing Kyi and Lau, officers determined that Kyi and Lau had each taken their daily limit of five squirrels and hidden them in their vehicle. Kyi and Lau then returned to hunting and were attempting to take over their daily limit. Indiana Conservation Officers work throughout the year to protect the state’s fish and wildlife, timber, water resources and more, according to the release. The Turn In a Poacher line is one tool that the public can use to assist officers. The number is 800-TIP-IDNR. Officers also have a 24/7 dispatch center ready to take calls, which may be reached at 812-837-9356.
