Three Arrested in Sturgeon Poaching Case (Monday, KCRA News)

OLIVEHURST, Calif. (KCRA) - Three Olivehurst men were arrested on suspicion of sturgeon poaching along the Bear River, Department of Fish and Game officials said Monday.

A team of wardens conducted surveillance along the river over the course of several nights, and said they saw Peter Anthony Gibbs, 25, Steven Michael Logan, 28, and Steven Allen Patterson, 29, all targeting sturgeon, according to authorities.

Department of Fish and Game officials said the wardens witnessed the men using heavy-duty fishing tackle, with oversize treble hooks and one-pound weights connected to hooks.

The men were also seen not tagging fish, including an 82-inch sturgeon, according to authorities.

When the wardens served warrants at the suspect's homes, they found and seized sturgeon meat, two boats, heavy duty fishing tackle, deer meat and parts of a bear, Department of Fish and Game officials said.

All three men were arrested and booked into the Yuba County Jail.

The case remains under investigation.
Sturgeon fishery is regulated in California because of a moderate population and a high black-market value, according to the Department of Fish and Game.


Read more: http://www.kcra.com/3-Arrested-In-St...#ixzz1w12Ysh9N


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