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Report All Poachers
Poachers Steal Your Wildlife
The RAP program encourages people to report wildlife violations, remain anonymous if they prefer, and receive monetary rewards for convictions based on their information. Anonymous callers will be given a special code number and are not required to give their name.
Rewards range from $100 to $1,000 depending on the nature and seriousness of the crime.
Call 701-328-9921 to report game and fish violations.
The reward fund is supported by private donations. If you wish to donate to the RAP program, tax deductible contributions can be sent to RAP, PO Box 1091, Bismarck, ND, 58502
RAP CASES
Lacher Case
On Nov. 17, 2023, warden Erik Schmidt received a Report All Poaching call with the information about a mule deer buck shot southeast of Zeeland, ND. The reporting party informed warden Schmidt when they approached the hunter who shot the buck, he left at a high rate of speed leaving the deer behind. The reporting party was able to give warden Schmidt a detailed vehicle description and partial license plate number of the suspect’s vehicle.
Warden Schmidt arrived in the area a short time later and was able to locate the suspect vehicle based on the reporting party’s information. The suspect was identified as Pius Lacher of Zeeland, ND. In an interview, Lacher claimed the land he shot the deer on was not on his described gratis land. Lacher also admitted he shot the deer while he was in his pickup.
Lacher was charged with hunting off his described gratis property and shooting from a motor vehicle. Lacher pled guilty to both charges, and was ordered to $500 restitution to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department in addition to $250 in court ordered fees. Lacher lost his hunting privileges for one year in North Dakota.
Warden Schmidt arrived in the area a short time later and was able to locate the suspect vehicle based on the reporting party’s information. The suspect was identified as Pius Lacher of Zeeland, ND. In an interview, Lacher claimed the land he shot the deer on was not on his described gratis land. Lacher also admitted he shot the deer while he was in his pickup.
Lacher was charged with hunting off his described gratis property and shooting from a motor vehicle. Lacher pled guilty to both charges, and was ordered to $500 restitution to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department in addition to $250 in court ordered fees. Lacher lost his hunting privileges for one year in North Dakota.
Jordan Bosch Case
On Dec. 9, 2016, game warden Erik Schmidt responded to a Report All Poachers call about a headless whitetail buck found 4 miles west of Linton, ND. Warden Schmidt’s initial investigation determined that the deer had been shot the previous evening. Tracks left at the scene indicated the suspect drove out into the field and cut the head off, leaving the meat to rot. Due to frigid cold temperatures, warden Schmidt was able to salvage the meat.
Further investigation by warden Schmidt identified Jordan Bosch of rural Emmons County as a suspect in the case. Warden Schmidt was able to recover the deer head on Dec. 13. On Dec. 16, warden Schmidt interviewed Jordan Bosch who admitted that he killed the deer illegally on the evening of Dec. 8, while returning home.
On Feb. 10, 2017, Bosch pled guilty to unlawful taking of a big game animal, hunting big game without a license and wanton waste of a big game animal. Bosch paid a fine of $1,000 and court fees of $375. He also lost his privileges to hunt, fish and trap for one year.
Further investigation by warden Schmidt identified Jordan Bosch of rural Emmons County as a suspect in the case. Warden Schmidt was able to recover the deer head on Dec. 13. On Dec. 16, warden Schmidt interviewed Jordan Bosch who admitted that he killed the deer illegally on the evening of Dec. 8, while returning home.
On Feb. 10, 2017, Bosch pled guilty to unlawful taking of a big game animal, hunting big game without a license and wanton waste of a big game animal. Bosch paid a fine of $1,000 and court fees of $375. He also lost his privileges to hunt, fish and trap for one year.
Sackenreuter Case
On Nov. 17th, 2020, game warden Drew Johnson checked deer hunters Brett Poitra and and Cole Wilson deer on a road next to the Otto Spies/Fullers Lake Wildlife Management Area in Steele County with a white-tail buck tagged with a 2I deer tag belonging to Brett Poitra. Poitra stated he had killed the deer the deer two days prior, November 15th, 2020, over 200 miles away near Napoleon, ND. The hunters story as to how and where the buck was killed did not make sense to GW Johnson. After further discussion with the hunters, Game Warden Johnson determined the deer's antlers were remarkably similar to a match set of deer antlers he had found on the Otto Spies/Fullers Lake WMA in March 2020.
After securing a search warrant for a DNA sample from Poitra's deer, Game Warden Johnson was able to match the DNA from to a DNA sample from the sheds Game Warden Johnson collected in March 2020.
After matching the DNA samples Game Warden Johnson again interviewed Poitra about his hunt. Poitra admitted deer hunting with Cole Wilson in Steele County, illegally shooting his deer on Otto Spies/Fullers Lake in deer hunting unit 2B on November 15th, 2020 and placing his deer hunting unit 2I deer tag on the deer.
Brett Poitra pled guilty to Illegal take of a big game animal and providing false information to a peace officer. Poitra was assessed a fine of $825 and had his hunting, fishing and trapping privileges suspended for 2 years. Cole Wilson pled guilty to aiding in the concealment of an illegally taken big game animal and providing false information to a peace officer. Wilson was assessed a fine of $325.
The deer and the deer's shed antlers, with a hole drilled in the base where the DNA sample was extracted, are on display below the deer mount.
After securing a search warrant for a DNA sample from Poitra's deer, Game Warden Johnson was able to match the DNA from to a DNA sample from the sheds Game Warden Johnson collected in March 2020.
After matching the DNA samples Game Warden Johnson again interviewed Poitra about his hunt. Poitra admitted deer hunting with Cole Wilson in Steele County, illegally shooting his deer on Otto Spies/Fullers Lake in deer hunting unit 2B on November 15th, 2020 and placing his deer hunting unit 2I deer tag on the deer.
Brett Poitra pled guilty to Illegal take of a big game animal and providing false information to a peace officer. Poitra was assessed a fine of $825 and had his hunting, fishing and trapping privileges suspended for 2 years. Cole Wilson pled guilty to aiding in the concealment of an illegally taken big game animal and providing false information to a peace officer. Wilson was assessed a fine of $325.
The deer and the deer's shed antlers, with a hole drilled in the base where the DNA sample was extracted, are on display below the deer mount.
Medora “Thrill Kill” Case
During a six-week period in July and August of 2007, five young males ranging in age from 19-21 participated in the largest wanton slaughter of wildlife in North Dakota history. Over 50 big game animals, mostly mule deer and pronghorn, were killed at night with the use of spotlights and left to rot on the prairie. In addition to the big game animals, hundreds of rabbits, porcupines and coyotes were also killed. None of the animals were utilized for any purpose other than the “thrill to kill.”
During the lengthy investigation, a RAP call greatly assisted in solving these heinous crimes with the arrest of five local males. Each poacher hired his own attorney and eventually pled guilty to multiple counts and were penalized according to their involvement with this case as follows:
Bill Buckman plead guilty to 12 counts of hunting big game out of season; 12 counts of shining big game; and 12 counts of hunting from a motor vehicle.
Buckman was sentenced to one year in jail, with all but 15 days suspended for 3 years; fined $20,000 with $16,300 suspended for three years; unsupervised probation for a period of three years; $300 in court costs; $6000 restitution to the North Dakota Game and Fisht Department; forfeit of a .17-caliber rifle with scope and spotlight; loss of hunting, fishing and trapping privileges for 11 years; cannot possess a firearm during the three-year suspension; and must retake and pass a hunter education course.
John Koester pled guilty to 12 counts of hunting big game season out of season and 12 counts of shining big game.
Koester was sentenced to 180 days in jail with all but five days suspended for two years; unsupervised probation for a period of two years; fined $15,000 with all but $1,675 suspended for two years; $6000 restitution to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department; $300 in court costs; loss of hunting, fishing and trapping privileges for 10 years; and cannot possess a firearm during the two-year suspension.
Jaden Adams pled guilty to six counts of hunting big game out of season and six counts of shining wildlife.
Adams was sentenced to 90 days in jail, with all but four days suspended for two years; unsupervised probation for two years; fined $6,000 with all but $1,025 suspended for two years; $2,500 restitution to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department; $325 in court costs; loss of hunting, fishing and trapping privileges for six years; and cannot possess a firearm during the two-year suspension.
Shawn Hiller pled guilty to six counts of hunting big game out of season; six counts of shining wildlife; and six counts of discharging a firearm from a motor vehicle.
Hiller was sentenced to 30 days in jail, with all but two days suspended for 18 months; $1,000 fine; $325 in court costs; $1,000 restitution to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department; loss of hunting, fishing and trapping privileges for six years; and cannot possess a firearm during the two-year suspension.
Christopher Calentine fled North Dakota and has an outstanding warrant for his arrest.
Listed is the grand total of the four poachers that have been brought to justice: 22 months in jail, of which 26 days will be served; $42,000 in fines, of which $7,400 will be paid; $15,500 will be paid in restitution to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department; 30 years of hunting, fishing and trapping privileges suspended; $1,250 in court costs; nine years of unsupervised probation, during which time they cannot possess a firearm; one rifle and spotlight forfeited; one poacher will have to retake hunter education; and in addition, each defendant was estimated to have spent at least $3,000 in attorney fees.
During the lengthy investigation, a RAP call greatly assisted in solving these heinous crimes with the arrest of five local males. Each poacher hired his own attorney and eventually pled guilty to multiple counts and were penalized according to their involvement with this case as follows:
Bill Buckman plead guilty to 12 counts of hunting big game out of season; 12 counts of shining big game; and 12 counts of hunting from a motor vehicle.
Buckman was sentenced to one year in jail, with all but 15 days suspended for 3 years; fined $20,000 with $16,300 suspended for three years; unsupervised probation for a period of three years; $300 in court costs; $6000 restitution to the North Dakota Game and Fisht Department; forfeit of a .17-caliber rifle with scope and spotlight; loss of hunting, fishing and trapping privileges for 11 years; cannot possess a firearm during the three-year suspension; and must retake and pass a hunter education course.
John Koester pled guilty to 12 counts of hunting big game season out of season and 12 counts of shining big game.
Koester was sentenced to 180 days in jail with all but five days suspended for two years; unsupervised probation for a period of two years; fined $15,000 with all but $1,675 suspended for two years; $6000 restitution to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department; $300 in court costs; loss of hunting, fishing and trapping privileges for 10 years; and cannot possess a firearm during the two-year suspension.
Jaden Adams pled guilty to six counts of hunting big game out of season and six counts of shining wildlife.
Adams was sentenced to 90 days in jail, with all but four days suspended for two years; unsupervised probation for two years; fined $6,000 with all but $1,025 suspended for two years; $2,500 restitution to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department; $325 in court costs; loss of hunting, fishing and trapping privileges for six years; and cannot possess a firearm during the two-year suspension.
Shawn Hiller pled guilty to six counts of hunting big game out of season; six counts of shining wildlife; and six counts of discharging a firearm from a motor vehicle.
Hiller was sentenced to 30 days in jail, with all but two days suspended for 18 months; $1,000 fine; $325 in court costs; $1,000 restitution to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department; loss of hunting, fishing and trapping privileges for six years; and cannot possess a firearm during the two-year suspension.
Christopher Calentine fled North Dakota and has an outstanding warrant for his arrest.
Listed is the grand total of the four poachers that have been brought to justice: 22 months in jail, of which 26 days will be served; $42,000 in fines, of which $7,400 will be paid; $15,500 will be paid in restitution to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department; 30 years of hunting, fishing and trapping privileges suspended; $1,250 in court costs; nine years of unsupervised probation, during which time they cannot possess a firearm; one rifle and spotlight forfeited; one poacher will have to retake hunter education; and in addition, each defendant was estimated to have spent at least $3,000 in attorney fees.
Devils Lake White Bass Over Limits
On the 8th of June 2019, Game Wardens James Myhre, Sam Feldmann, Alan Howard, and Jon Peterson conducted a saturation operation that focused on a fishing hotspot called Channel A just northwest of Devils Lake. On this day the white bass bite was extremely good, and fish were being caught almost as fast as one could get a lure in the water. Wardens sat back and watched groups and documented individuals that were in violation of state regulations, mainly targeting overlimit violations. Wardens contacted individuals once they left the fishing spot to issue citations and take care of equipment seizure.
The operation was very successful resulting in 23 individuals charged with overlimit violations of either exceeding the daily creel limit or exceeding a possession limit. There were also multiple non-criminal citations issued such as littering, depositing bait bucket contents on shore, license violations, and other issues that wardens run in to frequently. In total, approximately 1,600 fish were seized resulting in a total fines/fees amount of approximately $17,000 all in one day’s work.
The operation was very successful resulting in 23 individuals charged with overlimit violations of either exceeding the daily creel limit or exceeding a possession limit. There were also multiple non-criminal citations issued such as littering, depositing bait bucket contents on shore, license violations, and other issues that wardens run in to frequently. In total, approximately 1,600 fish were seized resulting in a total fines/fees amount of approximately $17,000 all in one day’s work.
Furman Hunting Under the Influence Case
During the 2011 hunting season, Russell Furman from Ellendale, ND was arrested by game warden Andrew Dahlgren for hunting under the influence of alcohol. Furman was observed stumbling and falling as he was hunting pheasants. When took a shot at a pheasant, a blockage in the end of the barrel of his shotgun caused the barrel to burst. Furman was slightly injured.
Furman plead guilty in court on April 25, 2012, and was fined $1,000 and ordered to pay $250 in court costs. He received 20 days in jail, which were suspended for a probationary period of one year. Furman lost his hunting, fishing and trapping privileges for one year and had his shotgun confiscated.
Furman plead guilty in court on April 25, 2012, and was fined $1,000 and ordered to pay $250 in court costs. He received 20 days in jail, which were suspended for a probationary period of one year. Furman lost his hunting, fishing and trapping privileges for one year and had his shotgun confiscated.
The Towner Buck
On January 3rd, 2020 Game Warden Brian Updike received a call from a concerned citizen regarding a large and unique deer suspected of being illegally taken. The reporting party stated he had been getting numerous pictures of a large unique buck with two drop tines and one horizontal tine on camera until December 30th, 2019 after which time he stopped getting pictures of it. He further reported on the morning of December 31st, 2019 two of his associates were bowhunting in the area when they heard multiple gunshots. A month later, Game Warden Updike was notified the unique deer was entered into an archery big buck contest in Ward County. The antlers had Michael Volk’s 2019 North Dakota deer bow license on them with a kill date of December 31st, 2019.
Game Wardens Brian Updike and Jonathon Tofteland interviewed Volk in February 2020. Volk initially stated he had shot the deer on the morning of December 30th, 2019 with a bow and arrow and recovered it late on December 31st, 2019.
In a follow up interview with game wardens and ND Bureau of Criminal Investigations agent Allen Kluth, Volk admitted he shot the deer using a .223 rifle on the morning of December 31st, 2019 and the shots the other hunters had heard were in fact his. Volk further stated he returned later that evening to collect what was left of the deer. Volk removed the deer’s head and threw the remainder of the carcass in a dumpster without salvaging any of the meat.
Further investigation into Volk’s deer hunting in the fall of 2019 determined he had also shot an acquaintances deer and placed their tag on it.
Volk was assessed a total of $1,825.00 in fees and restitution for illegally take of a big game animal, wanton waste and using another’s license as one’s own. In addition to the fees and restitution, Volk was ordered to forfeit the deer head and rifle to the Report All Poachers program, had his hunting privileges suspended for a period of two years and was required to retake hunter’s safety.
This deer scored 179 inches Boone & Crockett and was stolen from the citizens of North Dakota.
Game Wardens Brian Updike and Jonathon Tofteland interviewed Volk in February 2020. Volk initially stated he had shot the deer on the morning of December 30th, 2019 with a bow and arrow and recovered it late on December 31st, 2019.
In a follow up interview with game wardens and ND Bureau of Criminal Investigations agent Allen Kluth, Volk admitted he shot the deer using a .223 rifle on the morning of December 31st, 2019 and the shots the other hunters had heard were in fact his. Volk further stated he returned later that evening to collect what was left of the deer. Volk removed the deer’s head and threw the remainder of the carcass in a dumpster without salvaging any of the meat.
Further investigation into Volk’s deer hunting in the fall of 2019 determined he had also shot an acquaintances deer and placed their tag on it.
Volk was assessed a total of $1,825.00 in fees and restitution for illegally take of a big game animal, wanton waste and using another’s license as one’s own. In addition to the fees and restitution, Volk was ordered to forfeit the deer head and rifle to the Report All Poachers program, had his hunting privileges suspended for a period of two years and was required to retake hunter’s safety.
This deer scored 179 inches Boone & Crockett and was stolen from the citizens of North Dakota.
Minnewaukan Waterfowl Over Limit Case
On Oct. 13, 2013, game warden Jim Job was patrolling in Minnewaukan, ND when he conducted a routine check of four nonresident waterfowl hunters. After a lengthy investigation it was discovered that Howard Ellis and Weston Waight from Newton, S.C., and Michael Allen and Leon Russel from Hilburn, Ill., had exceeded their daily limit by 24 ducks and exceeded their possession limit by 54 ducks. In addition, many of the ducks were breasted out and no identification was present.
Each hunter was fined $2,000 for a total of $8,000. All the waterfowl and coolers were confiscated as well as their shotguns valued at over $4,000. In addition to the fines, confiscated firearms and game, each hunter lost one year of hunting, fishing and trapping privileges. Because of North Dakota is part of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, they also lost those same privileges in 44 other states.
Each hunter was fined $2,000 for a total of $8,000. All the waterfowl and coolers were confiscated as well as their shotguns valued at over $4,000. In addition to the fines, confiscated firearms and game, each hunter lost one year of hunting, fishing and trapping privileges. Because of North Dakota is part of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, they also lost those same privileges in 44 other states.
Mattson Brothers ND/SD State Line Buck
On Nov. 24, 2019, game Warden Erik Schmidt received a call about a deer that was poached in South Dakota and taken into North Dakota. The reporting party stated he had caught two hunters on his property in South Dakota approximately 3 miles southwest of Zeeland and a half-mile from the North Dakota/South Dakota state line. The reporting party stated when he confronted the two hunters, they took off at a high rate of speed back into North Dakota. The reporting party was able to provide warden Schmidt with a vehicle description and license plate. The two suspects were identified as Jacob Mattson and his brother Matthew Mattson.
Both were interviewed by North Dakota game wardens and South Dakota Conservation officers a few days later. Through their interviews with law enforcement, it was learned that Jacob and Matthew first spotted the buck in North Dakota. Matthew, who possessed a valid antlered deer tag shot at and hit the buck. After Matthew wounded the buck, both Jacob and Matthew began shooting at the buck. The wounded deer ran into South Dakota with both men chasing the buck in Jacob’s pickup. After getting close enough to the buck in South Dakota, the two men killed the deer on the reporting party’s property. While loading the deer, both men acknowledged they got scared when approached by the reporting party and fled. The men admitted after the reporting party stopped following them, they immediately disposed to the entire deer. Jacob showed later showed the wardens where they dumped the deer. By the time the deer was recovered, the meat had spoiled.
Jacob and Matthew were charged with wildlife crimes in North Dakota and South Dakota. Jacob was charged with hunting without a license, wanton waste of a big game animal, aiding in the concealment of unlawfully taken game, false information to a law enforcement officer and care required in driving in North Dakota. Jacob paid $1,360 in fines and fees in North Dakota. He lost his hunting privileges in South Dakota and was ordered to spend three days in jail.
Matthew was charged with harassing big game with a motor vehicle and wanton waste of a big game animal in North Dakota. Matthew paid $1,960 in fines and fees in North Dakota. He lost his hunting privileges in South Dakota and was ordered to spend three days in jail.
Both were interviewed by North Dakota game wardens and South Dakota Conservation officers a few days later. Through their interviews with law enforcement, it was learned that Jacob and Matthew first spotted the buck in North Dakota. Matthew, who possessed a valid antlered deer tag shot at and hit the buck. After Matthew wounded the buck, both Jacob and Matthew began shooting at the buck. The wounded deer ran into South Dakota with both men chasing the buck in Jacob’s pickup. After getting close enough to the buck in South Dakota, the two men killed the deer on the reporting party’s property. While loading the deer, both men acknowledged they got scared when approached by the reporting party and fled. The men admitted after the reporting party stopped following them, they immediately disposed to the entire deer. Jacob showed later showed the wardens where they dumped the deer. By the time the deer was recovered, the meat had spoiled.
Jacob and Matthew were charged with wildlife crimes in North Dakota and South Dakota. Jacob was charged with hunting without a license, wanton waste of a big game animal, aiding in the concealment of unlawfully taken game, false information to a law enforcement officer and care required in driving in North Dakota. Jacob paid $1,360 in fines and fees in North Dakota. He lost his hunting privileges in South Dakota and was ordered to spend three days in jail.
Matthew was charged with harassing big game with a motor vehicle and wanton waste of a big game animal in North Dakota. Matthew paid $1,960 in fines and fees in North Dakota. He lost his hunting privileges in South Dakota and was ordered to spend three days in jail.
National Park Elk Case
On the morning of Sept. 8, 2016, 49-year-old Mark Hale from Manvel, ND was hunting elk on the west side of the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Hale’s son, Jesse Hale form Gains, Mich., was assisting him. The father and son were calling elk when a spike bull appeared over the hill about 50 yards inside the park fence. Mark shot the bull elk using a 7mm Remington magnum rifle. The bull was hit hard and ran over the hill. Just then a 7x7 bull appeared at the top of the hill and Mark also shot this bull immediately knocking it to the ground. Both poachers removed their blaze orange clothing and entered the park. They now had two bull elk dead inside the national park. They removed the hind quarters of the larger bull and put them in game bags. They loaded them on a two-wheel cart and wheeled the meat out of the park by going under the fence. They didn’t get too far when the game cart broke, so they dumped both hind quarters down a ravine. They went back to the elk and pushed the spike down a ravine and then cut the head off the big bull. They carried the head out of the park to their vehicle.
Unfortunately for the Hales, there were other elk hunters in the area who heard the shots and observed the Hales carrying a large elk head and not wearing blaze orange. One of the hunters caught up to the Hales and offered to help get the elk meat out. The Hales refused the help and insisted they could get it all in the next trip. The hunter not knowing the elk were in the park realized that something wasn’t right by Hale’s reaction to his questions. The informant left the scene and drove away to call game warden supervisor Dan Hoenke. He explained to warden Hoenke what he observed and heard earlier that day. The informant did give the make, model, color and license plate number of Hale’s vehicle.
At the poaching scene, evidence was observed, documented and collected. Father and son were interviewed by game wardens and Mark Hale admitted to shooting the elk in the national park. Mark was charged with exceeding his limit of elk, wanton waste of big game animals and hunting inside a national park. In the plea agreement through his attorney, Mark pled guilty and paid fines, restitution, and court fees of $5,785. In addition, Hale had substantial attorney fees. His elk head and rifle were confiscated. Mark also lost one year of hunting, fishing and trapping privileges. The 7x7 bull scored 329 2/8 B&C. Jesse was charged with aiding in taking game unlawfully and paid $600 in fines and court fees.
Unfortunately for the Hales, there were other elk hunters in the area who heard the shots and observed the Hales carrying a large elk head and not wearing blaze orange. One of the hunters caught up to the Hales and offered to help get the elk meat out. The Hales refused the help and insisted they could get it all in the next trip. The hunter not knowing the elk were in the park realized that something wasn’t right by Hale’s reaction to his questions. The informant left the scene and drove away to call game warden supervisor Dan Hoenke. He explained to warden Hoenke what he observed and heard earlier that day. The informant did give the make, model, color and license plate number of Hale’s vehicle.
At the poaching scene, evidence was observed, documented and collected. Father and son were interviewed by game wardens and Mark Hale admitted to shooting the elk in the national park. Mark was charged with exceeding his limit of elk, wanton waste of big game animals and hunting inside a national park. In the plea agreement through his attorney, Mark pled guilty and paid fines, restitution, and court fees of $5,785. In addition, Hale had substantial attorney fees. His elk head and rifle were confiscated. Mark also lost one year of hunting, fishing and trapping privileges. The 7x7 bull scored 329 2/8 B&C. Jesse was charged with aiding in taking game unlawfully and paid $600 in fines and court fees.
McHenry County Moose Poaching Case
On Nov. 22, 2015, district game warden Brian Updike received information that a large trophy moose was poached in southwest McHenry County by Christopher Olson of Ruso, ND. Warden Updike and warden Ken Skuza arrived at Olson’s residence and observed him standing next to a large bull moose. In an interview with Olson, he informed the wardens that he had shot the moose with a .30-06 rifle, a .45 caliber handgun, and finally shooting the moose numerous times in the head with a shotgun.
Christopher Olson was charged with illegal taking of a big game animal and hunting big game without a license. In a plea agreement with his attorney, Olson pled guilty to the charges and was ordered to pay court costs of $325 and $3,000 in restitution, received two years loss of hunting, fishing and trapping privileges, must retake hunter education, and placed on two years’ probation. Olson also had the rifle, handgun and shotgun forfeited to the Report All Poachers program. The moose scored 198 5/8 B&C.
Christopher Olson was charged with illegal taking of a big game animal and hunting big game without a license. In a plea agreement with his attorney, Olson pled guilty to the charges and was ordered to pay court costs of $325 and $3,000 in restitution, received two years loss of hunting, fishing and trapping privileges, must retake hunter education, and placed on two years’ probation. Olson also had the rifle, handgun and shotgun forfeited to the Report All Poachers program. The moose scored 198 5/8 B&C.
Barnes County Slobs
In early fall of 2019, numerous headless deer were being discovered around the Sheyenne River Valley near Valley City, ND. The antlers looked to be the only things collected by the poachers. This went on for a few months with no solid leads, but game wardens kept finding more dead deer. Local and neighboring game wardens spent countless hours trailing the poachers that seemed to be on a killing spree.
Finally, around late November game wardens made a break in the case. During a late-night spotlight detail, a suspect vehicle ran from game wardens as they tried to pull it over. The vehicle fled, but soon was stuck in a snowbank with its occupants taking off running on foot into a standing cornfield. One positive thing of cold North Dakota winters is criminals tend to give up easier, as these guys did since they weren’t dressed for a night in a cornfield. The two individuals had ditched their gun in a snowbank while running away, but now were willing to talk as they were very cold. A picture of a rather large buck head was revealed to the game wardens. It was found to be connected to some people in Valley City.
Within a few days, the people responsible for the picture were sitting in an interview room at the Sheriff’s Department with game wardens. After the game wardens were told numerous lies, cellphone search warrants were obtained. Game wardens spent countless more hours deciphering truths from lies. Later in December the ringleader of the poaching crew finally made a big enough mistake to lead the game wardens to his house. More search warrants were obtained, and the case started to bust wide open. The problem was there wasn’t enough hours in the day for the game wardens to keep up with the poachers.
Now the poachers knew the game wardens were onto them, so they decided to try to get rid of evidence anyway possible. It was later found that multiple deer racks were tossed into the Sheyenne River, by the Mill Dam, in Valley City. More deer racks, and even an entire deer carcass, were tossed into a farmer’s garbage pit in rural Barnes County. After months of tailing these poachers, game wardens used a remote operated vehicle to recover deer antlers from the river. The garbage pit was drained and dug through. DNA analyses were completed on as many specimens as possible to connect the antlers to the deer carcasses found the prior fall. Cellphone search warrants led to other poached deer not even related to the poaching wring.
*The drill holes in the antlers are where the DNA was collected to match to carcasses.
Jakob Ashline
- $7,900 fines/fees – 53 days in jail - forfeited a .270 rifle and .22 mag rifle - loss of hunting, fishing and trapping privileges 10 years – retake hunter safety.
Ryan Rudolph
-$2,635 fine/fees – 100 hours community service – retake hunter safety – loss of hunting, fishing and trapping privileges 2 years - forfeited a 7mm rifle.
Payne Drake
-$850 fines/fees – 8 days in jail, loss of hunting, fishing and trapping privileges 2 years.
Calvin Bjornson
-$4,750 fine/fees – wasn’t directly connected to poaching ring, but caught poaching 2 bucks during rifle season from search warrants
*There were multiple other parties involved charged with lesser fines.
*The shoulder deer mount antlers were recovered from the garbage pit. The deer was poached near Faust Park, in Barnes County.
Finally, around late November game wardens made a break in the case. During a late-night spotlight detail, a suspect vehicle ran from game wardens as they tried to pull it over. The vehicle fled, but soon was stuck in a snowbank with its occupants taking off running on foot into a standing cornfield. One positive thing of cold North Dakota winters is criminals tend to give up easier, as these guys did since they weren’t dressed for a night in a cornfield. The two individuals had ditched their gun in a snowbank while running away, but now were willing to talk as they were very cold. A picture of a rather large buck head was revealed to the game wardens. It was found to be connected to some people in Valley City.
Within a few days, the people responsible for the picture were sitting in an interview room at the Sheriff’s Department with game wardens. After the game wardens were told numerous lies, cellphone search warrants were obtained. Game wardens spent countless more hours deciphering truths from lies. Later in December the ringleader of the poaching crew finally made a big enough mistake to lead the game wardens to his house. More search warrants were obtained, and the case started to bust wide open. The problem was there wasn’t enough hours in the day for the game wardens to keep up with the poachers.
Now the poachers knew the game wardens were onto them, so they decided to try to get rid of evidence anyway possible. It was later found that multiple deer racks were tossed into the Sheyenne River, by the Mill Dam, in Valley City. More deer racks, and even an entire deer carcass, were tossed into a farmer’s garbage pit in rural Barnes County. After months of tailing these poachers, game wardens used a remote operated vehicle to recover deer antlers from the river. The garbage pit was drained and dug through. DNA analyses were completed on as many specimens as possible to connect the antlers to the deer carcasses found the prior fall. Cellphone search warrants led to other poached deer not even related to the poaching wring.
*The drill holes in the antlers are where the DNA was collected to match to carcasses.
Jakob Ashline
- $7,900 fines/fees – 53 days in jail - forfeited a .270 rifle and .22 mag rifle - loss of hunting, fishing and trapping privileges 10 years – retake hunter safety.
Ryan Rudolph
-$2,635 fine/fees – 100 hours community service – retake hunter safety – loss of hunting, fishing and trapping privileges 2 years - forfeited a 7mm rifle.
Payne Drake
-$850 fines/fees – 8 days in jail, loss of hunting, fishing and trapping privileges 2 years.
Calvin Bjornson
-$4,750 fine/fees – wasn’t directly connected to poaching ring, but caught poaching 2 bucks during rifle season from search warrants
*There were multiple other parties involved charged with lesser fines.
*The shoulder deer mount antlers were recovered from the garbage pit. The deer was poached near Faust Park, in Barnes County.
Landon Overbo Case
In November 2021 Game Warden Greg Hastings received information that Landon Overbo may have shot a deer on land he was not legally entitled to hunt. Landon Overbo held a North Dakota gratis deer hunting license that allowed him to hunt only two quarters of land in Stutsman County. The deer Landon shot was consistently seen on trail camera over 9 miles from Landon Overbo's described gratis land.
When Game Warden Hastings interviewed Overbo there were numerous inconsistencies in his story of how the deer was killed and tagged, including that it was inadvertently tagged with his bow tag before being tagged with his gratis tag. Game Warden Hastings was able to locate a photo of Overbo's deer in a barn untagged. During Game Warden Hastings investigation into Overbo, the antlers from Overbo's deer went missing.
In February 2022, through his attorney, Overbo pled guilty to failing to properly tag a big game animal and was assessed a fine of $325. The deer's antlers were not recovered at the time of the guilty plea.
In late November 2023 Game Warden Hastings received a tip that the deer's antlers were being stored at Aron Bellemare's residence. Game Warden Hastings spoke with Bellemare at his residence and recovered the antlers to Overbo's buck. Bellemare was charged with aiding in the concealment of unlawfully taken big game and agreed to pay $100 through a pretrial diversion.
In early 2024 Landon Overbo filed a motion in Stutstman County to have his deer antlers returned. In May 2024 Overbo's motion to have his antlers returned to him was denied by Southeast Judicial District judge Troy LeFevre.
When Game Warden Hastings interviewed Overbo there were numerous inconsistencies in his story of how the deer was killed and tagged, including that it was inadvertently tagged with his bow tag before being tagged with his gratis tag. Game Warden Hastings was able to locate a photo of Overbo's deer in a barn untagged. During Game Warden Hastings investigation into Overbo, the antlers from Overbo's deer went missing.
In February 2022, through his attorney, Overbo pled guilty to failing to properly tag a big game animal and was assessed a fine of $325. The deer's antlers were not recovered at the time of the guilty plea.
In late November 2023 Game Warden Hastings received a tip that the deer's antlers were being stored at Aron Bellemare's residence. Game Warden Hastings spoke with Bellemare at his residence and recovered the antlers to Overbo's buck. Bellemare was charged with aiding in the concealment of unlawfully taken big game and agreed to pay $100 through a pretrial diversion.
In early 2024 Landon Overbo filed a motion in Stutstman County to have his deer antlers returned. In May 2024 Overbo's motion to have his antlers returned to him was denied by Southeast Judicial District judge Troy LeFevre.
Mandaree Mule Deer Case
In Nov. 2015, this trophy mule deer buck was shot and left near Mandaree, ND. The person responsible has not been found and the case remains open. If you have any knowledge of who is involved, call the Report All Poaching hotline at 701-328-9921. You may remain anonymous. A reward of $1,000 is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the person or persons responsible. This buck scored 173 1/8 B&C.
Lefor Double Buck Case
On Nov. 10, 2019, Ransly Deran from Mandan, ND was caught deer hunting on private posted land 10 miles south of Taylor, ND. In the investigation by game wardens Zachary Schuchard and Jeff Violett, they found that Deran, who had a gratis deer license, had shot two deer, neither of which were on his described gratis land. Deran did not tag or retrieve the mule deer buck he shot, however he did tag and retrieve the whitetail buck he shot.
Deran was charged with hunting off of his described gratis land, exceeding the big game limit, failure to tag a big game animal and wanton waste of a big game animal. Deran paid $2,500 in fines, $325 in court fees. The deer meat was donated to the AMEN food pantry in Dickinson, ND.
Deran was charged with hunting off of his described gratis land, exceeding the big game limit, failure to tag a big game animal and wanton waste of a big game animal. Deran paid $2,500 in fines, $325 in court fees. The deer meat was donated to the AMEN food pantry in Dickinson, ND.
Fischer Pronghorn Buck Case
On Oct. 5, 2013, game warden Erik Schmidt was hunting in Slope County when he received a tip about a pronghorn shot with a rifle before the season noon opener. The reporting party provided game warden Schmidt with a vehicle description and a North Dakota license plate.
On Oct. 7, game wardens Schmidt and Jackie Lundstrom interviewed the suspect, David Fischer, at his house in Mandan. Fischer acknowledged that he had shot his pronghorn on the morning of Oct. 5 before the season opened.
Fischer pled guilty to hunting before legal shooting hours and paid a fine of $100 and in addition to court fees of $225.
On Oct. 7, game wardens Schmidt and Jackie Lundstrom interviewed the suspect, David Fischer, at his house in Mandan. Fischer acknowledged that he had shot his pronghorn on the morning of Oct. 5 before the season opened.
Fischer pled guilty to hunting before legal shooting hours and paid a fine of $100 and in addition to court fees of $225.
McAuley Pheasant Over Limit Case
In December 2005, six pheasant hunters from Washington and Idaho came to North Dakota and booked a hunt with Lowell Nester and Cedar Valley Outfitters. Hunting was so good one day that the hunters didn’t stop at the daily limit of three birds per person. The upper photo shows a one day kill of 63 pheasants and one partridge. The hunters are all smiles here, but they would not have the last laugh.
A timely RAP call brought game wardens Pat Lothspeich, Dan Hoenke and Bill Schaller to the Dickinson Municipal Airport where the hunters were detained, interviewed and charged with exceeding the daily limit and exceeding the possession limit of pheasants. They were just minutes from leaving on the plane back to Seattle. They were also ticketed for failure to leave identification on birds. Over 125 pheasants, three coolers and four shotguns were confiscated. The hunters were all fined $650 each and forfeited the pheasants, coolers and shotguns.
Charged where Todd McAuley, Lance McAuley, Robert McAuley and Bruce McAuley from Seattle, Washington; Mark McAuley from Kirkland, Washington; and Thomas Egen from Star, Idaho.
In addition, Todd Johnson, an unlicensed guide from Havre, Mont. was charged with multiple counts of conspiracy to exceed daily and possession limits of pheasants and guiding without a license. His attorney arranged a plea agreement in which Johnson paid a $400 fine and was suspended from ever guiding in North Dakota. Johnson also had substantial attorney fees to pay.
A timely RAP call brought game wardens Pat Lothspeich, Dan Hoenke and Bill Schaller to the Dickinson Municipal Airport where the hunters were detained, interviewed and charged with exceeding the daily limit and exceeding the possession limit of pheasants. They were just minutes from leaving on the plane back to Seattle. They were also ticketed for failure to leave identification on birds. Over 125 pheasants, three coolers and four shotguns were confiscated. The hunters were all fined $650 each and forfeited the pheasants, coolers and shotguns.
Charged where Todd McAuley, Lance McAuley, Robert McAuley and Bruce McAuley from Seattle, Washington; Mark McAuley from Kirkland, Washington; and Thomas Egen from Star, Idaho.
In addition, Todd Johnson, an unlicensed guide from Havre, Mont. was charged with multiple counts of conspiracy to exceed daily and possession limits of pheasants and guiding without a license. His attorney arranged a plea agreement in which Johnson paid a $400 fine and was suspended from ever guiding in North Dakota. Johnson also had substantial attorney fees to pay.
Missouri Basin Outfitters
Early in 2000, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department began investigating guides and outfitters for illegal activity. Undercover officers from another state were used to detect violations that would otherwise go uncovered by normal patrol methods. Russell Stockie of Richardton, ND was one of the outfitters being investigated. Stockie ran Missouri Basin Outfitters with his guide Jodie Stiefel of Hebron.
Hunts were scheduled for the fall of 2000 and the agents recorded all the details of the illegal activity. The original plan was also to hunt in 2001, but enough information was gathered in 2000 to provide convictions. The hunts started as guided pheasant hunts, but information indicated that big game hunts were being conducted in Wyoming, Alaska, Nebraska and Montana as well.
The joint state/federal investigation began in September 2001 with search warrants being served in Hebron, Dickinson and two places in Wyoming. Sixty-nine people were interviewed during the investigation.
After the court proceedings were complete, 17 defendants were convicted of 77 charges with Stockie and Stiefel being charged with Federal Lacey Act violations. Most charges stemmed from violations in North Dakota, with some violations in Wyoming and Nebraska.
Total fines and restitution amounted to $28,931, with 600 hours of community service, hunting privileges suspended for 13 years, guiding privileges suspended for 20 years. Also, 13 mounts and a rifle and shotgun were confiscated.
Hunts were scheduled for the fall of 2000 and the agents recorded all the details of the illegal activity. The original plan was also to hunt in 2001, but enough information was gathered in 2000 to provide convictions. The hunts started as guided pheasant hunts, but information indicated that big game hunts were being conducted in Wyoming, Alaska, Nebraska and Montana as well.
The joint state/federal investigation began in September 2001 with search warrants being served in Hebron, Dickinson and two places in Wyoming. Sixty-nine people were interviewed during the investigation.
After the court proceedings were complete, 17 defendants were convicted of 77 charges with Stockie and Stiefel being charged with Federal Lacey Act violations. Most charges stemmed from violations in North Dakota, with some violations in Wyoming and Nebraska.
Total fines and restitution amounted to $28,931, with 600 hours of community service, hunting privileges suspended for 13 years, guiding privileges suspended for 20 years. Also, 13 mounts and a rifle and shotgun were confiscated.
Perpetual Violator Case
In December 2016, two individuals were caught poaching deer and charged with several counts of illegally killing deer. Subject 1 pled guilty and paid $1,050 in fines and fees and had his hunting, fishing and trapping privileges suspended for one year.
Subject 2, who was currently under suspension for previous hunting and fishing violations, was ordered to pay $325 in fines and fees and lost three more years of hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges. He paid restitution of $250 to the Report All Poachers program and had his rifle and scope forfeited by the court.
In May 2017, Subject 2 was caught fishing by warden Jerad Bluem in Kidder County. Five walleye and fishing tackle were confiscated and subject 2 was charged with fishing under suspension. Before this went to court, subject 2 was caught fishing on the Missouri River by game warden Corey Erck. Subject 2 was charged with his second fishing under suspension within two months. In court, subject 2 plead guilty and was ordered to pay an additional $625 in fines. He lost his hunting, fishing and trapping privileges for another 2 years, which now stands at 6 years in total. In addition, his boat, trailer and tackle were confiscated and forfeited by the court.
Subject 2, who was currently under suspension for previous hunting and fishing violations, was ordered to pay $325 in fines and fees and lost three more years of hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges. He paid restitution of $250 to the Report All Poachers program and had his rifle and scope forfeited by the court.
In May 2017, Subject 2 was caught fishing by warden Jerad Bluem in Kidder County. Five walleye and fishing tackle were confiscated and subject 2 was charged with fishing under suspension. Before this went to court, subject 2 was caught fishing on the Missouri River by game warden Corey Erck. Subject 2 was charged with his second fishing under suspension within two months. In court, subject 2 plead guilty and was ordered to pay an additional $625 in fines. He lost his hunting, fishing and trapping privileges for another 2 years, which now stands at 6 years in total. In addition, his boat, trailer and tackle were confiscated and forfeited by the court.
Requested Violation Information
When reporting a game or fish violation, please provide as much of the following information as possible:
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Nature of violation
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Location
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Violator's name and address if known
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Description of violator(s) (age, build, clothing, other features)
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Vehicle description (license number, make, year, color, other features)
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Date and time of offense
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Your name, address, and phone number (you can remain anonymous if you prefer)
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Names, addresses, and phone numbers of witnesses
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Would you sign a complaint and testify if necessary?
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