Dept. of Game, Fish and Parks
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, March 7, 2003
For more information: Mike Yost, 472-1606

AGENCIES WORK TOGETHER TO NAB EAGLE POACHER

PIERRE – Three law enforcement officials from three separate agencies combined efforts last fall to resolve a case involving the killing of a bald eagle.

The investigation took off when a newspaper ad placed by Game, Fish and Parks Conservation Officer Mike Yost sparked a Turn In Poachers (TIPs) call that provided information about the illegal eagle killing. Yost had the eagle in possession.

"I received information that the bald eagle was shot by Nathan Harford of Tulare, Yost said. "More information was soon added from the Spink County Sheriff's Office about Harford shooting the eagle. Then Chief Deputy Larry Morrison, along with U.S. Fish and Wildlife agent Bob Prieksat and myself organized the case and confronted Harford. Harford confessed about killing the eagle with a rifle while the bird was in flight."

Harford was charged $5,000 restitution to the United States of America and given five years probation. While on probation, he can not commit another federal, state or local crime. Additionally, he can not illegally possess a controlled substance, nor possess a firearm, destructive device or any other dangerous weapon.

Yost especially credited the help of the Spink County Sheriff's Office in their efforts for resolving this case. "It is great to have local law enforcement officers as willing to help as the sheriff’s department. Thanks to the officers and citizens that helped in this case, we were able to bring closure to another wildlife crime."

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