Additional suspects may be arrested pending the ongoing investigation by DFG wardens.

This investigation is the direct result of legitimate hunters giving their local wardens and the CalTIP program information about poachers who were blatantly disregarding the regulations imposed to protect the resources, said DFG Assistant Chief Fred Cole.

The suspects were arrested for violations in Kern, Tulare, and Monterey counties and several are facing felony charges for conspiracy to violate wildlife laws. Several vehicles, animal parts and hound dogs were also confiscated during search warrant service at four residences by DFG officials.

During the operations, three search warrants were served in Kern County, and one was served in Monterey County. An additional 17 clients of the suspects in the illegal guiding of bear were interviewed at several locations in eight different counties.

“This was the largest operation involving bear poachers in more than a decade,” said Cole, who added that 27 teams consisting of 82 DFG personnel were involved in the operation dubbed Ursus III. “Operations like this are needed because they focus on those people who are destroying and illegally profiting from California’s valued resources. It’s important to note that these suspects do not represent the legitimate sporting public who follow our state’s game laws. The severity of these crimes show just how much damage a single individual can do.”

Charges filed ranged from running and killing bear outside of the established season, poaching protected mountain lion, waste of game, illegal take of deer, cruelty to animals and guiding without guide licenses. A suspect convicted of a felony conspiracy to illegally take bear is subject to a maximum fine of $10,000 fine and three years in state prison, Cole said.

“Our wild animals are valuable natural resources,” said Edward R. Jagels, Kern County District Attorney. “As a hunter, I am particularly concerned with the conservation of game species. We take these slaughter-for-profit violations very seriously.”

The information leading to the arrests was originally generated by concerned citizens via DFG’s CalTIP program and talking to area wardens, Cole said. By contacting the 1-888-DFG-CALTIP number to report poachers and polluters, callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.