Dead Heads?

[muley]

For whom it may concern,

Under Title 17 with the GnF, they try to state that they own the wildlife, but when it dies they are stumbling on proving they still own it, two years ago I found a dead head of an elk that was nothing more than bones, what I believed to be a past rifle, archery, or lion kill, to old to say. A past GnF officer told me that I could not possess the head, I refused to give him the head until he showed me a law, a directive was shown and that was it, another officer said he would have let me keep it had it been closer to his area. Long story short, I was charged with 3 felony's which I fought in court and they dismissed before we had our say, do to no law shown by GnF. I know, pretty strick, but that's what happens when you fight them. They also went with felony's because the bull rough scored in the 420's (Price), but the big reason was I made them look bad. Anyways, if someone was to fight Title 17, and win, they would have to pay back all fees, and make a clear law, thats understood, instead of some officers taking what they want, If its a fresh dead head that one thing. I'm out of N.Az, and I'm sure this story has gone from one end to another. Any Suggestions?

[muley]

Oh ya,

I was charged under Title 13, not 17.

[4Falls]

I have acutally heard your story before. And your not the only one. If it had been a 320 bull no one would have gave a rip. Wait till some one tries to take a big shed or pair of sheds, that'll be next.

[25-06]

I thought that as long as it was not a fresh one (no flesh left on it) it is legal to take.

[BRYCE CANYON]

The story I heard was a lot different. Do you live in Lockett Ranches?

[Couesdeer]

Truckin', Got my chips cashed in... Oh wait a minute.... I misunderstood the title of your post. Guess I oughta put away the pachuli and tie-dyes!

[muley]

I live right in Williams, but I'm getting ready to move out near the Deer Farm/sherwood forest.

If you live in Flag, I would guess you heard about it.

[coues7]

did you end up giving the head up? Some wardens are like that.....I think it's little mans syndrome.

[muley]

Ya,

I think that was the last thing I should of done.

And then when the Judge dismissed the case, he asked my attorney if we wanted our property back

my att. said nah, go ahead and let them hold them for now, because he figured they would refile, but the

judge later put a halt on it and said enough was enough, then I tried to get them back and GnF said it was still there property. So if I wanted to pay a ton more I could take them to court again. But I'm broke now,

but if someone won a case in court, even a misdemeanor, on title 17 I could retrieve my losses, and if that was to happen I would probably pay the guy/gal a thousand dollars. Due to I'm in it for about 12.

[Idahocoueshunter]

So, this Title 17 makes it illegal to pickup skulls? heck even Boone and Crockett lets you enter pick ups.

[DesertBull]

Ya,

I think that was the last thing I should of done.

And then when the Judge dismissed the case, he asked my attorney if we wanted our property back

my att. said nah, go ahead and let them hold them for now, because he figured they would refile, but the

judge later put a halt on it and said enough was enough, then I tried to get them back and GnF said it was still there property. So if I wanted to pay a ton more I could take them to court again. But I'm broke now,

but if someone won a case in court, even a misdemeanor, on title 17 I could retrieve my losses, and if that was to happen I would probably pay the guy/gal a thousand dollars. Due to I'm in it for about 12.

 

 

It cost you $12K to get them to drop charges in which there was not even a law concerning the offense?

Can't you file a civil suit against them to recover the fees and your antlers?

[bobbyo]

Truckin', Got my chips cashed in... Oh wait a minute.... I misunderstood the title of your post. Guess I oughta put away the pachuli and tie-dyes!

 

I misunderstood also. I was hoping to get tapes from Alpine 1989.

[muley]

No,

Had the judge let it go on, and we I had won, then I could file to retrieve my money, but because it was dismissed, you can't. If anyone knows of any slips in the system to fight and get the money back, or go directly against the state I'd greatly appreciate it. I have no respect for GF.

[bobbyo]

Muley,

I feel for you. It seems like you got hosed real bad not only by the GF officer,but by the district attorney or was it the state attorney general office. Was the 12,000 in fees just for legal expenses for your own lawyer. That seems ridiculously high for a case that never went to trial. If this is true I think you may of got hosed by your own lawyer also. Please forgive me if I am making wrong assumptions. I am completely ignorant to your case, but would like to tell my hunting attorney friends about your case and ask what they think you should do.

Bob

[muley]

Thanks for the thoughts,

It did go to trial, but it only lasted about a half a day, my first lawyer was from Aspey/Walkins and he tried to tell me to just take a plea, which was from 3 felony's to misdemeanors do to his ignorance of any GF laws, Which I told him I would not Plead out to something I didn't do, which cost me 4 there, So I dumped him and went with a guy in Prescott named Tom Kelly, which was a sharp cookie, but it cost another 8. Yup,

my back side hurts. Although I heard the County Att. was repremanded for her dealings in that case. Anything positive at this point is welcome, this went on for 2 years, and the Officer (Matt Bratz) after this case quit and went to DPS.