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Show Wildlife violations increase Arrests for wildlife violations in the southern region have steadily increased during the past several years, according to Division of Wildlife Resources Regional Law Enforcement Officer Dall Winn. A total of 1,115 arrests were made in the region during 1981. This also reflects a steady increase in resource users in southern Utah.A significant increase in Class A misdemeanor cases was noted last year. This was possibly due to a penalty change for failure to tag big game from a Class B to a Class A misdeamor Violation fines have ranged from $10 to $500 and in many cases confiscation of equipment and-or game has occurred. In addition to the fine, restitution has also been imposed for the value of wildlife unlawfully taken. The southern region is comprised of 13 conservation officers located throughout the nine southwestern counties of the state. Each officer spends an average of 55 percent of his time in law enforcement activities. The remainder of the time is spent with game, fisheries and nongame management rrograms. He is also involved with information and education programs and resource plaining. The region also has one full-time full-time law enforcement specialist located in Cedar City and another full time law enforcement specialist located in the Richfield area. Public involvement by personal contact with the regional office or conservation officer or through the "Help Stop Poaching" toll free line (1-800-662 DEER) definitely aided our law enforcement officers in apprehending violators this past year, Dall Winn stated. Several major cases were made in the region with information received through the toll free line. Any information received can remain confidential if the calling party so desires. |