Heavy Fine Given to Migratory Bird Treaty Act Violators

October 12, 2023

It was announced by U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester recently, that four Oklahoma men were sentenced to pay restitution totaling $68,000 for unlawfully killing four endangered whooping cranes protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

A press release stated that on August 22, 2023, 43-year-old Joseph M. Roman, and 40-year-old Justin M. Wine of Altus, 32-year-old Chanod M. Campbell of Gould, and 35-year-old Brian Lee Gollihare of Hollis, were charged by information with taking a migratory bird for which there is no season. According to information presented in court, on or about November 5, 2021, the four defendants were hunting at Tom Steed Reservoir when they killed four whooping cranes and attempted to hide the birds before leaving the scene.

Whooping cranes are a migratory bird and are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the whooping crane is one of the rarest birds in North America and are highly endangered.

All four defendants pleaded guilty and during sentencing a U.S. Judge ordered each defendant to pay $17,000 in restitution to the International Crane Foundation and pay a $750 fine.

The defendants were also each ordered to forfeit their shotguns and will also lose their hunting privileges in all 50 states for the next five years.

This case is a result of an investigation by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.