Major Poaching Investigation Leads to 3 Guilty Pleas in Northern California

A casual conversation on a flight led California wildlife officers to uncover a major poaching operation involving the illegal possession of multiple protected species. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announced that their investigation resulted in multiple guilty pleas, fines, and probation for those involved.

The case began in November 2023 when two CDFW officers, flying home from a training session in San Diego, struck up a conversation with a couple seated nearby. The unsuspecting passengers openly discussed their hunting experiences, eventually revealing they were carrying a sea turtle skull in their luggage.

They also admitted to illegally killing a mountain lion—an act prohibited in California. As the conversation continued, they disclosed that a close family member in Napa County possessed multiple taxidermied mountain lions, a wolverine, and other protected species.

After landing, the officers conducted further questioning and confirmed the couple had a green sea turtle skull, a federally protected endangered species, concealed in their carry-on luggage. This led to search warrants at two residences in Butte and Napa counties. Wildlife officers discovered illegally harvested deer, mountain lion parts, a ringtail cat, an owl mount, and additional protected species.

The investigation, conducted with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, resulted in guilty pleas from three individuals. Fines totaled over $4,000, and all offenders were placed on probation, prohibiting them from participating in hunting activities.

“This case highlights the critical role our officers play in protecting California’s natural resources,” said CDFW Chief of Law Enforcement Nathanial Arnold. “It underscores how illegal wildlife trafficking can have far-reaching consequences.”

Anyone witnessing poaching or wildlife violations is encouraged to report it to CALTIP at 1-888-334-CALTIP.