EUREKA – On March 19, 2021 the California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced that two people were recently fined $4,000 each and a third was fined $3,500 for poaching in Humboldt County.

Back in October, Warden Mike Hampton and Warden K-9 Leeloo responded to a tip that people were taking Dungeness crab out of season at the Del Norte Pier in Eureka. There had been prior reports of the same people committing the same violation on nights prior. Each time a wildlife officer arrived to investigate; the suspects were gone.

But this October night was different. Warden Hampton arrived in time to witness three people taking crab from the pier. Warden Hampton waited until they returned to their vehicle before contacting them. During an inspection of their catch, Warden Hampton located 20 undersized Dungeness crab taken out of season. The three men were cited for the take of crab out of season and possession of undersized crab. After properly documenting the crabs for court, Warden Hampton released the crabs alive back into the water.

“California Fish and Wildlife wardens protect our precious natural resources in this state,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona.  “They work all hours of the day and night and often times without a partner.  It can be a very dangerous job as they often encounter suspects who are armed.   We thank them for their service.  Thank you to CSLEA member, Warden Hampton for continuing to follow up on a citizen’s tip.”