Missouri Department of Conservation Makes Several Recent Arrests

Brandon Lyddon, Conservation Agent

The following are a few examples of the recent work done by Conservation Law Enforcement Agents in Missouri by responding to calls from the public, patrol work including conservation areas, lakes, rivers, etc., and engaging the public through community policing and education events. 

An Operation Game Thief (OGT) call led to an investigation and enforcement action for taking deer in closed season. A conservation area contact led to enforcement action for an angler that had ten fish under the length limit. A complaint of illegal parking at a conservation area led to the arrest of an individual who had multiple arrest warrants. 

After receiving complaints of illegal activity at a conservation area, an agent made several enforcement contacts over several days including possession of drugs, driving while suspended, fishing without permits, and other fishing and conservation area violations. 

Two individuals were arrested by warrant for shooting deer from the roadway and trespassing. A traffic stop was attempted by an agent after a utility vehicle was illegally operating off road at a conservation area during closed hours. The driver did not stop and after a short pursuit the driver was arrested for resisting arrest and driving while intoxicated. 

Community policing and education efforts included state and local fairs, family conservation night events, hunter education, meet local law enforcement and their vehicles events, K9 programs, and many school programs. 

To report conservation violations call the OGT (Operation Game Thief) 24-hour hotline at 1-800-392-1111, you can remain anonymous and rewards are possible.