[Steve Gross]

In case you have not heard, a poacher in Texas shot and killed a migrating Whooping Crane last Friday. I've attached a copy of the press release that was just put out, along with some good news. Here's an excerpt from the latest Whooping Crane survey conducted down the coast from me, in the wintering grounds of the Whoopers:

An aerial census on November 19, 2003 of the Aransas National Wildlife
Refuge and surrounding areas estimated the number of whooping cranes
present at 152 adults + 20 young = 172 total.

Recap of cranes observed: (172)

Adults + young Change from Nov. 12
Refuge 53 + 8 + 19
Lamar 5 + 1 + 6
San Jose 33 + 5 + 28
Matagorda 47 + 5 + 12
Welder Flats 14 + 1 + 3

Total 152 + 20 = 172 + 68

The expected number of Whoopers this year should be close to 200.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Here's the press release concerning the killing of the Whooper:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DALLAS, TEXAS
CONTACT: 214/659-8707 NOVEMBER 20, 2003


United States Attorney Jane J. Boyle announced that Dallas resident, Donald
W. Jones, was charged yesterday in a federal information with
transportation of wildlife taken and possessed in violation of law, in
violation of 16 U.S.C. §§ 3372(a)(1) and 3373(d)(2). If convicted, Jones
faces a maximum statutory sentence of one year imprisonment and a $100,000
fine. Jones, age 48, will appear before United States District Judge Jerry
Buchmeyer on December 12, 2003 for his arraignment.

The information charges that on November 14, 2003, Donald W. Jones
knowingly transported various species of migratory birds, including a
whooping crane, a Gadwall, a blue-winged teal and a northern shoveler, when
he should have known that the wildlife was taken and possessed in violation
of law, specifically the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, whooping cranes are also
listed as endangered under federal law. The crane recovered from Jones is
believed to be one of four spotted in the Lake Bardwell area, south of
Dallas, during the week of November 10. The bird was apparently shot late
Friday, November 14. Biologists believe that the three remaining birds left
the area Sunday, resuming their annual migration south for the winter.
There are an estimated 318 wild whooping cranes within the United States.
The other waterfowl in Jones' possession -- Gadwall, blue-winged teal, and
northern shoveler -- are species that can legally be hunted during the
waterfowl season in Texas. That season, however, was not open when the
birds were killed.

"Waterfowl hunters have many opportunities each year to enjoy a resource
that belongs to all Americans, and most do so within the boundaries set by
federal and state regulations," said Special Agent in Charge of Law
Enforcement Richard McDonald. "But there are specific times set aside for
hunting and no open seasons at all for whooping cranes," McDonald
continued.

"We hope that the charges in this case remind hunters and the public of our
shared responsibility to conserve the Nation?s migratory birds," added H.
Dale Hall, Southwest U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Regional Director.

"The law enforcement partnership between the U. S. Fish and Wildlife
Service and Texas Parks and Wildlife led to the quick apprehension and
resolution to this phase of the investigation," said McDonald.

"I'm proud of our game warden, who just graduated from our academy five
months ago. He did a thorough job while checking this duck hunter and
discovered this whooping crane. We are pleased to be working on this case
with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service," said Col. James Stinebaugh,
director of law enforcement at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

The case is being investigated by agents of the United States Fish and
Wildlife Service and game wardens with the Texas Parks and Wildlife
Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States
Attorney Mark D. McBride.

[KCFoggin]

I read the first press release a few days ago and was hoping the Feds would get involved. They hadn't for the last 2 incidents concerning the shooting of the whooping cranes. This should make the morons sit up and take notice

[steve_nova]

Presumebly his defence claimed that he mistook the long outretched neck and long legs for something else?.....Send the g*t down!

[Beverlybaynes]

This is the first I've read of this appalling incident.

It seems that for every step forward, there's an idiot brute who pushes things right back.

I hope Texas and the US Government prosecute this moron to the fullest extent of the law.

Steve, will you keep us posted, please?

[pduxon]

Sometimes you just want to weep don't you.

[Beverlybaynes]

Steve, would you know of any links you could post where we could email Texas Fish and Wildlife or the prosecutor's office, urging full prosecution?

I went to sleep last night thinking about this awful thing, and if I thought my two cents would make a difference, I would certainly add it.

[Steve Gross]

The US Attorney involved in the case is:

Jane J. Boyle, USA
1100 Commerce Street, Third Floor, Dallas 75242-1699
(214)659-8600 fax(214)767-2898

I'm trying to get an email address, but I guess they're trying not to get overloaded with spam or knee-jerk emails. It hasn't been easy to find.

Other email addresses within the Dept. of Justice go as follows:

firstname.lastname@usdoj.gov

I've sent a test message to jane.boyle@usdoj.gov .

If it's returned, I'll update this thread.

Good luck. Let your voices be heard.

Steve

[Steve Gross]

The email that I sent to jane.boyle@usdoj.gov was not returned as undeliverable.

If in doubt, you might want to call the office in Dallas, or write. The arraignment will be December 12, so you'd have time to send a letter.

Go get 'em.

Steve in Houston