Frohna man pleads guilty to wildlife violations

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- Frohna resident Eldon E. Luckey, 22, plead guilty this week to 17 charges of taking wildlife illegally in the 32nd Circuit Court with the Honorable Judge Michael Bullerdieck presiding. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, the charges stem from a December 2011 investigation conducted by conservation agents.

The guilty plea included two counts of hunting wildlife while permits were revoked, possessing illegally taken wildlife and failing to properly label wildlife. Luckey's fines and court costs total $1,358.50 and further revocation of his hunting and fishing privileges will be determined by the Missouri Conservation Commission at a later date.

Conservation Agent Grant Gelly said during the investigation he and other agents seized dozens of wildlife trophies and other wildlife parts taken illegally by Luckey.

"This evidence, most of which were deer and turkey parts, represented years of illegal hunting activities by this individual," Gelly said.

Gelly said this case is a good example of how important public cooperation is in wildlife violation investigations.

"Conservation agents rely on law-abiding sportsmen and women to report violations they witness, usually through our Operation Game Thief (OGT) program," Gelly said. "Public support is vital in the apprehension of repeat wildlife violators."

The OGT program is a way to report poaching anytime throughout the day, night and even weekends by calling the OGT hotline at 1-800-392-1111. To reach your local conservation agent contact your county Sheriff's Department or visit www.mdc.mo.gov and search for "agent contact information".