SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — After recent incidents of poaching in Nicholas and Webster counties prior to the start of the buck firearms season in West Virginia, the state Department of Natural Resources offered some words of caution about the potential legal consequences of illegal hunting in the state.
West Virginia Natural Resources Police Officer Christopher Fitzwater said, regardless of the season, department personnel are out all year looking for evidence of violations.
“We have officers out every day, patrolling the roads, taking calls, doing pretty active work trying to apprehend individuals in the act,” he said. “We also rely on concerned citizens and outdoorsmen and women that are hunting and enjoying the sport, to give information that leads to investigations, as well.”
State law defines a poacher as someone who knowingly violates hunting regulations, such as targeting species out of season, shooting animals in non-hunting areas or shooting at animals from roadways.
According to Fitzwater, tips from concerned citizens often are the starting point of investigations that uncover the most serious violations, which typically involve the use of firearms out of season.
“Spotlighting, if an individual’s out hunting at night, using artificial light, and they’re trying to locate wildlife, it’s dark. There could be multiple residences. There could be cars, cattle or livestock in the field,” he said.
The degree of civil and criminal penalties for poaching can vary widely, depending on the nature and scope of the violation.
“If you kill a bigger buck with a 14 to 16-inch spread, the extra fines start out at $1,000, and then it can go up to $2,500, depending on the antler size,” Fitzwater said.
In most circumstances, a person convicted of poaching a trophy buck in West Virginia must pay a replacement fee that is calculated based upon the width of the antlers, in addition to court costs.
A conviction also can lead to the loss of hunting privileges. Criminal penalties can include up to 100 days in jail. Penalties for poaching other animals, such as bear, can be more severe.
Fitzwater recommended the use of the Department of Natural Resources’ online services, available at wvdnr.gov, to reported suspected poaching. He also said anyone who sees or suspects illegal hunting in progress should call authorities immediately.