Blotter: Cases from northern, Fox Valley area counties
April 11, 2013
By: Bureau of Law Enforcement
Pet skunk, sunken shanties, stalled snowshoe alert, manure run-off among latest warden cases
Winnebago, Outagamie and Calumet counties
Warden Ryan Propson of Appleton investigated a report that an individual was in possession of a live skunk without a required captive wildlife license. An investigation revealed that the individual had the skunk as a pet and was letting it roam the house. The individual was found to be without the required license since 2011. Enforcement action was taken.
Warden Michael Disher of Chilton investigated multiple ice shacks that were still on Lake Winnebago after the established removal deadline. Disher found one shack 2.5 miles off shore and another almost 1 mile off shore. Many others were closer to the shoreline. Disher also found a spot where a damaged shack had been removed, however the frame was left frozen into the ice along with some carpeting and other litter. Enforcement action was taken for failure to remove and littering.
Warden Disher investigated a complaint of manure run-off into a stream in Calumet County. Disher checked the area and discovered manure solids flowing off the suspect property, onto the neighbor’s property and into a ravine leading to a mapped stream. Enforcement action was taken for water pollution and corrective measures were ordered.
Warden Jason Higgins of Oshkosh received a complaint about an ice shanty that went through the ice on Lake Winnebago back in January. Higgins patrolled the area and located a small portion of the roof that was sticking above the ice. Enforcement action was taken.
Vilas, Florence and Oneida counties
Warden Jim Jung of Rhinelander reported that a fall 2012 investigation of possession of three illegal deer, illegal wild turkeys, trapping violations, felon in possession of a firearm and child neglect was settled in Oneida County Court. The defendant pled guilty to possession of an illegal deer with a $2,100 fine and revocation of DNR privileges along with one count of carrying a concealed firearm.
Warden Tim Ebert of Woodruff responded to a request from Woodruff Police to assist with locating two people on snowshoes who sent a text message to one of their parents requesting help. Warden Ebert and a Woodruff Police Office located the people and it was found that the text message the parent received had been sent several days prior while they were having computer problems.
Warden Kelly Crotty of Florence investigated a Michigan resident for guiding a bear hunter without a guide license. (Non-residents are not eligible for a guide license). Enforcement action was taken.
Warden Tim Ebert worked with Wardens Rich Thole, Mike Sealander and Forest Ranger Mark Kubisiak to set up and host a turkey Learn to Hunt event. Snow and rain hampered success with one turkey being harvested out of the 8 participants. Wildlife Biologist Michele Woodford provided turkey information at the field day. The event was sponsored by the Boulder Junction Shooting Range, J.L. Brost Builders, and Dave Stenz Construction. The sponsors provided funding, food, equipment, and mentorship to make the event possible.
Warden Tim Price of Eagle River attended the Vilas County Forestry Committee meeting where Price introduced the Kid's Don't Float program to the committee staff. The committee expressed their interest in partnering in the program. Price attended the Vilas County snowmobile safety committee meeting.