Tyler

By KENNETH DEAN
Staff Writer

CHANDLER - Two Tyler men have been cited for shooting non-game, state-protected waterfowl during a youth hunting trip. They were not supposed to be on the trip, exceeding the 16-year-old age maximum. They are 18 and 17.

Texas Game Warden Capt. Gary Dugan said the incident occurred during the weekend when the two men and a 16-year-old female became bored during a duck hunt.

Dugan said his department learned of the shooting of two white pelicans after a witness left a message on the state tip line.

"We began our investigation, and (the two men) admitted to knowing what they were shooting at and that they had just become bored with shooting at ducks. They have been cited and may lose their hunting privileges for one year," he said.

Dugan said that white pelicans are not endangered, but are a protected species and killing one is a Class C misdemeanor under state law. He added that the birds are federally protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, but that the two men were not facing any federal charges.

"They have been cooperative, and I really don't know if they will lose their hunting licenses or not. That is up to the courts."

However, the act could prove costly for the two men because they are facing a maximum fine of $500 for each bird and a $250 replacement cost.

Dugan said that this time of the year the tip line for reporting poaching and illegal hunting gets a lot of calls, and he encourages anyone with information about such crimes to call 1-800-792-GAME.

The calls always pick up this time of year because it's hunting season," he said. "It is real easy to report illegal activity, and people can remain anonymous and not have to give us their name or anything."