VERMONT FISH & WILDLIFE
Press Release
BARNET, Vt — A Barnet man has been indicted for shooting a bald eagle in July 2018. Bald eagles are listed as State endangered, and the charge comes with $1,222 in fines and restitution, along with a three-year loss of hunting, fishing and trapping licenses upon conviction.
Randy Goss, 46, admitted to the crime after an investigation by Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department State Game Wardens and a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Special Agent. Taking a bald eagle is a violation of both state and federal laws.
The eagle was shot with a .22 caliber rifle which was seized as evidence.
“We received several complaints from the public with information about this serious violation,” said Colonel Jason Batchelder, Vermont’s chief game warden. “Holding the violator accountable for the crime would not have been possible without these complaints.”
“Wildlife violations involving nongame species, and in this case an endangered species, are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted,” said Fish & Wildlife Commissioner Louis Porter.
“We are asking anyone with information about any poaching activity to contact their local warden through their nearest State Police radio dispatcher or to leave an anonymous tip on the Operation Game Thief phone by calling 1-800-75ALERT (1-800-752-5378).”
Well here’s an idea… Anyone convicted of harming an animal NEVER gets a license back!. The fines?! Those are fines?!. Do they ever get paid? Doubt it. Stop tippy toeing around these issues. Demand the killings STOP!