CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- What may be considered a common hunting practice in other states is illegal in California.
Over the past several months, the Federal Game Warden’s Office here has reported an increase in the poaching of animals struck by vehicles on base.
Tampering with roadkill, to include taking parts of the animal or the entire body, is illegal under California hunting regulations.
“Because it is legal in some states, service members or government employees may think it is OK to load up roadkill and take it home, or cut off parts to mount,” said Frank Hernandez, a U.S. Conservation law enforcement officer with the Game Warden's office here. “We are using all possible channels to inform the public about this law because we don’t want to see Marines in court over something we could have prevented.”
Violators can face fines ranging from several hundred to several thousand dollars, and risk suspension of their hunting license, depending on the severity of the crime.
“Our intent is to inform all base personnel in a timely manner, but ignorance of the law is no excuse,” said Hernandez. “Violators will face consequences.”
Hernandez continued by saying that if an animal is killed by a motorist, it is donated to different approved agencies that use the meat to feed animals they are rehabilitating.
For more information or to report an incident involving game on Camp Pendleton, contact the Game Warden’s Office at (760) 725-3360 or the Provost Marshal’s Office at (760)-763-2077.