Post by Woody Williams on Mar 11, 2007 17:54:50 GMT -5
Four face charges of waterfowl baiting
By LEN WELLS
Courier & Press correspondent (618)842-2159 or lenwells@wabash.net
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Operators of a Southern Illinois goose and duck hunting club have been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly baiting birds in violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Two area hunters were also indicted on charges they took migratory fowl from the baited area.
Patrick W. McLane, 24, and Mitchell L. McLane, 51, both of Jonesboro, Ill., are identified in the indictment as operators of Gander Flats Hunting Club. Both men face charges that they unlawfully placed bait for the purpose of aiding hunters in taking migratory fowl by spreading shelled corn around the hunting area.
Two hunters, Rodney A. Mezo, 28, of Grand Tower, Ill., and James A. Rogers, 27, of Jonesboro, Ill., have been indicted for unlawfully taking migratory game birds from a baited area.
Federal prosecutors allege Mezo and Rogers "knew or reasonably should have known" that the area was baited.
The indictments against the men were returned Wednesday. Authorities said the offense took place around Jan. 15, 2005.
The Gander Flats Hunting Club is located along the Mississippi flyway, adjacent to the Union County, Ill., refuge.
According to the club's brochures, the facility features 15 hunting pits and experienced guides. The club operates from mid-November through January, giving hunters the opportunity to take migratory ducks and geese.
If convicted, the McLanes face a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. Mezo and Rogers face up to six months in prison and a fine of $15,000 if convicted.
By LEN WELLS
Courier & Press correspondent (618)842-2159 or lenwells@wabash.net
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Operators of a Southern Illinois goose and duck hunting club have been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly baiting birds in violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Two area hunters were also indicted on charges they took migratory fowl from the baited area.
Patrick W. McLane, 24, and Mitchell L. McLane, 51, both of Jonesboro, Ill., are identified in the indictment as operators of Gander Flats Hunting Club. Both men face charges that they unlawfully placed bait for the purpose of aiding hunters in taking migratory fowl by spreading shelled corn around the hunting area.
Two hunters, Rodney A. Mezo, 28, of Grand Tower, Ill., and James A. Rogers, 27, of Jonesboro, Ill., have been indicted for unlawfully taking migratory game birds from a baited area.
Federal prosecutors allege Mezo and Rogers "knew or reasonably should have known" that the area was baited.
The indictments against the men were returned Wednesday. Authorities said the offense took place around Jan. 15, 2005.
The Gander Flats Hunting Club is located along the Mississippi flyway, adjacent to the Union County, Ill., refuge.
According to the club's brochures, the facility features 15 hunting pits and experienced guides. The club operates from mid-November through January, giving hunters the opportunity to take migratory ducks and geese.
If convicted, the McLanes face a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. Mezo and Rogers face up to six months in prison and a fine of $15,000 if convicted.
