Game Warden Field Notes

Posted: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 10:13 AM - 10,568 Readers

Numbers add up to legal trouble: Tarrant County Game Wardens Clint Borchardt and Chelle Mount were checking fishermen along the West Fork of the Trinity River on February 21.

* Numbers add up to legal trouble: Tarrant County Game Wardens Clint Borchardt and Chelle Mount were checking fishermen along the West Fork of the Trinity River on February 21. The first of two boats they checked had four fishermen. The section behind the last seat was filled to the top of the transom with 122 white bass. The second boat had two fishermen and 64 white bass in their ice chest. All six fishermen received citations for over the limit of white bass.

* Crappie fishermen come up short: Polk County Game Warden David Johnson was patrolling Kickapoo Creek for water safety violations on February 22 when he noticed several boats taking advantage of the crappie bite up the creek. While making contact with three subjects, a water safety inspection was conducted. When a personal flotation device was pulled from below the front deck, the warden noticed a holding basket full of crappie. Several citations were issued for possession of undersized crappie and no fishing license.

    * Wardens find novel use of stolen truck: Game Wardens Michael Hummert and Colt Gaulden were patrolling on February 21 when they heard a call that a Department of Public Safety helicopter had detected a LoJack transmission coming from a 90,000-acre ranch in Webb County. Responding to the call, the wardens entered the ranch and spoke with the landowner. The DPS helicopter was hovering over an area where the landowner said a hunter’s camp was located. The wardens entered the camp and found a stolen Ford F-250 four-door truck. The originally white truck had been painted in camouflage, an elevated deer blind had been installed, and fictitious plates had been put on the vehicle.

    * Motorcycle goes for a boat ride: Game Wardens Ronnie Langford, Brent Whitus, and Jim Lindeman were patrolling the upper end of Lake Travis in Burnet County on February 20 when a flat-bottom boat containing an upright motorcycle caught their attention. The wardens stopped the unregistered craft to talk to its two occupants. When they ran a check the wardens discovered the motorcycle was reported stolen in Burnet County. The motorcycle and subjects were turned over to the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office for further investigation.

    * Remember, Don’t Mess With Texas: Gillespie County Warden Scott Krueger received a call from a local rancher on February 22 regarding a dumped blackbuck antelope carcass and large bag of trash in the ditch near the rancher’s residence. Scott located the trash the next morning. At the bottom of the trash bag Scott found a receipt from a store in Fredericksburg. Next he met with the store’s loss prevention director who began a records search. In a few minutes video was found of the suspect checking out, as well as parking lot video of the subject getting into his vehicle. Since he paid with a credit card, Scott was able to get his name. A quick check in the phone book gave Scott an address. After a brief introduction, Scott told the suspect the reason for the visit. A citation was issued, and the trash was cleaned up.

    * “Hog” turns out to be illegal doe: Van Zandt County Game Warden Steve Stapleton received a call from a landowner who had found the outline of a deer in the snow with a blood trail leading back to a county road. The landowner said that a short time after he made the discovery, a truck drove up and the driver asked if he could put a hog trap on the rancher’s property. The landowner asked the man if he knew anything about a deer being illegally shot on his property, and the man said he had found a hog and in the spirit of helpfulness had removed it for the rancher. The warden was able to track down the subject and drove to the subject’s house pulling the regional Operation Game Thief trailer for an upcoming event. The warden realized he was likely on the right investigative track when the man saw the OGT trailer and remarked that it looked like he was going to lose his truck “over all of this.” It seems he thought the trailer was used to confiscate vehicles and illegal equipment. A freshly killed doe was found hidden in a hay barn. The warden also recovered a .22 short pistol used to kill the deer. Multiple cases pending.

    * On-line detective work pays off: Travis County Warden Cody Jones got word on February 19 of a Craigslist posting from someone wanting to purchase whitetail deer meat. The warden made email contact with two persons and working with the Special Operations Unit set up a buy-bust. Both suspects were filed on for setting up an illegal purchase of meat from a game animal.

    * Young woman gets another chance at life: Around 11 p.m. on February 21, Travis County Game Warden Braxton Harris was patrolling Austin’s Lady Bird Johnson Lake checking a few bank fishermen and late-night kayakers. Beneath the I-35 bridge the warden drove by the one car parked in the area and noticed a hose going from the exhaust pipe into the rear window. After turning the car off and finding its female occupant still breathing, he opened all the car doors and then called for an ambulance. The 25-year-old woman was expected to make a full recovery.

    * Nice bucks! Too bad they were taken illegally: Travis County Game Warden Braxton Harris received a call at 4 a.m. February 24 from dispatch to contact an Austin Police Department officer who was detaining two men who had just shot two deer. When the warden arrived, he found the two deer had been shot with a 12-gauge from the roadway. One buck scored 126 2/8 Boon and Crockett points and the other 109 1/8. The deer meat was donated for use by the homeless and the men taken to jail. Cases pending.

    * One toke over the line: On February 24, Travis County Warden Cody Jones was searching for a vehicle involved in poaching activity when two subjects approached his state truck while toking on a marijuana pipe. Not until they had walked to within only a few feet of the warden did they realize their mistake and try to hide the illegal substance. Both subjects were issued field release citations for the marijuana possession and released.

* Story Contributed by: Bonham Journal

[edit]

Lake Travis News

Alerts

LCRA to reopen Lake Travis for public use Wednesday Nov 6, 2018	62,785 Readers
LCRA: Lakes could open by Nov. 2 depending on conditions Oct 30, 2018	56,007 Readers
Mansfield Dam floodgates to close starting Thursday Oct 30, 2018	58,440 Readers
LCRA will not open more gates at Mansfield Dam at this time Oct 18, 2018	56,604 Readers
Lago Vista residents prepare to evacuate due to flooding of Lake Travis Oct 18, 2018	60,539 Readers
An incredible view of an open Mansfield Dam : Youtube video Oct 18, 2018	56,613 Readers
Lake Travis expected to hit highest level since 1991 by Friday Oct 17, 2018	55,036 Readers
Hike and bike trail on Lady Bird Lake closed due to rising water Oct 17, 2018	54,022 Readers
Lake Travis expected to open 4 more floodgates. Take Precaution Oct 17, 2018	56,914 Readers
Record number of Mansfield dam floodgates could open Oct 17, 2018	50,206 Readers

Entertainment

Alamo’s Jaws on the Water is back to scare you while you float on Lake Travis May 15, 2018	53,625 Readers
This student’s wakeboarding graduation photoshoot is so epic she deserves another degree May 8, 2018	51,897 Readers
Here’s why you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake. Wait — you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake? Aug 8, 2017	56,709 Readers
5 Ways to Try Paddleboarding in Austin Aug 4, 2017	54,616 Readers
Why Is Hippie Hollow Clothing-Optional? Jul 31, 2017	58,554 Readers
JAWS on the Water - Friday, June 30th Jun 27, 2017	53,756 Readers
Memorial Day Weekend watercraft ban on Lake Austin May 25, 2017	55,365 Readers
Travis County officials prep for Memorial Day weekend on Lake Travis May 23, 2017	52,881 Readers
West Austin 4-H Offers Opportunities Beyond Just Raising Animals Aug 9, 2016	63,502 Readers
Large Crowds Expected at Lake Travis For Holiday Weekend Jul 1, 2016	65,361 Readers

Weather

Lake levels falling fast as Texas drought continues Jul 27, 2022	46,975 Readers
Repairing Lake Travis homes damaged by flooding Nov 2, 2018	58,745 Readers
Lake Travis now more than 120 percent full Oct 17, 2018	49,642 Readers
Graveyard Point residents brace for flooding Oct 17, 2018	51,460 Readers
Floodgate Operations Underway at Local Lakes During Flooding Oct 16, 2018	51,291 Readers
As Flood Risk Increases, Austin Will Revisit Its Floodplain Building Rules Oct 15, 2018	51,267 Readers
Up to 35 days of 100-degree heat this summer in Austin area, LCRA says May 9, 2018	54,314 Readers
Lake Buchanan rises nearly 8 inches due to rain Aug 8, 2017	56,853 Readers
One floodgate open at Starcke Dam Aug 7, 2017	54,619 Readers
Driving on RM 620, I see islands sticking out of the lake. Is the drought returning? Jul 14, 2017	55,170 Readers

Sports

Spectacular catch highlights our High School Plays of the week Oct 16, 2018	49,479 Readers
Classic Berth, Big Payday On The Line At Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest May 15, 2018	52,639 Readers
Several newcomers already set to play for Texas in 2017 Aug 7, 2017	53,984 Readers
PGA to Austin: We had lots of fun, so let’s do it again in 2017 Apr 1, 2016	64,689 Readers
Jordan Spieth Off To Good Start In Austin Return Mar 24, 2016	64,448 Readers
Katy vs Lake Travis game makes the list! Jan 13, 2016	62,653 Readers
Game of the week: Lake Travis (7-0) at Westlake (7-0) Oct 19, 2015	64,321 Readers
Lake Travis repeats as regional golf champions Apr 17, 2015	66,310 Readers
Lake Travis’ Bacon ties national HR record Mar 14, 2015	68,185 Readers
Westlake, Lake Travis sweep District 14-6A awards Mar 11, 2015	68,033 Readers

Business

Shack 512 Relaxed, lakeside dining accessible by car or by boat May 16, 2018	52,725 Readers
Residents addressing wildfire risks in Lake Travis, Westlake May 16, 2018	51,771 Readers
Ex-Point Venture water employee accused of misappropriating $65K May 16, 2018	52,283 Readers
West Lake Hills’ new drainage manual created in an effort to reduce flooding May 15, 2018	53,868 Readers
Round Rock City Council approves cost share for zebra mussel control in Lake Travis May 11, 2018	54,285 Readers
Nautical Boat Clubs Launches Lake Austin Location in Westlake May 5, 2018	54,222 Readers
City looking for help to curb storm drain pollution Aug 5, 2017	53,885 Readers
Apache Shores features waterfront views, trails, park Jul 14, 2017	53,858 Readers
10-year Mansfield Dam rehabilitation project will keep Austin safe Apr 27, 2017	53,872 Readers
Overflowing Lake Travis isn't all bad news for businesses Jun 8, 2016	63,318 Readers

Real Estate

Appraisal protest trend continues as assessments rise May 16, 2018	52,195 Readers
Go Inside This Lake Austin Remodel May 10, 2018	50,096 Readers
Modern guesthouse tower adds space, views to lakeside cabin Sep 28, 2017	56,373 Readers
A Striking Sanctuary in Texas Inspired by a Sand Dollar Aug 8, 2017	55,343 Readers
Contemporary Architectural Masterpiece on Lake Austin Jul 30, 2017	53,335 Readers
Lake Austin mansion with a Romeo and Juliet balcony, including dramatic backstory Jul 28, 2017	53,835 Readers
Midcentury-modern home overlooks Lake Austin, Pennybacker Bridge May 27, 2016	64,828 Readers
Lake Travis Waterfront Retreat Offered by Heritage Luxury Real Estate Auctions May 18, 2016	63,599 Readers
In Lago Vista, big dreams for $68 million ranch property May 14, 2016	63,872 Readers
This Texas Barn Mansion on Lake Travis is Out of This World May 6, 2016	67,499 Readers

News Archives 2010 - Select a Month