ARREST VIOLATORS

EAST PEORIA, Ill. - Illinois Department of Conservation officers have issued citations for fish and wildlife violations to about 40 people in 15 counties.

Conservation Director Brent Manning said the two-year undercover operation involved 110 agents from the conservation department, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the Illinois Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Manning said the investigation grew with the code-name Operation First Shot, conducted out of a business called First Shot Wild Game Meats at a Peoria residence. He said citizens confirmed the suspicions of conservation agents in telephone calls to the department's toll-free TIP line.

Manning's said agents were able to purchase 10 field-dressed deer, venison from at least five deer, venison salami from about 15 deer, more than 100 squirrels, 40 to 50 wild rabbits, more than 500 pounds of live turtles, between 600 and 700 pounds of undersize catfish, up to 300 pounds of game fish, ducks, geese, a few quail and one wild turkey.

Manning said squirrels were selling for up to $4 a pound at Chicago markets, with rabbits priced up to $6.50 and crappie at $3.50 to $4 a pound.