DNR Release: Teens Plead Guilty

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Teens plead guilty to killing 109 coots (March 6, 2009)

Two juvenile teen brothers from Laporte and another juvenile teen from Akeley have been fined $1,600 and placed on probation after pleading guilty on Feb. 4 to killing 109 American Coots. Coots are defined as migratory game birds and protected by both state and federal law.

Often mistaken for a duck, the American Coot is a common waterbird. Its all black body and white chicken-like beak distinguish this swimming rail from ducks.

Acting on a phone call, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Conservation Officer Paul Parthun recovered 109 dead coots from the Hart Lake near Laporte in northwestern Minnesota last October. He also found shell casings for both 12-guage and 20-guage shotguns and shotgun shell boxes with identification that they were purchased from a local sporting goods store.

A DNR waterfowl specialist confirmed the coots were shot and did not die of disease.

During an interview with Parthun and another officer, one of the teens confirmed that his brother and a friend were duck hunting on Hart Lake the morning of Oct. 12. They observed a large flock of coots on the water and “shot quite a few out of that big flock.” He also admitted they left lots of birds on the water, and told the group that “We’re going to get in trouble for this.”

“It’s an unfortunate incident, but hopefully a learning experience for these young men,” Parthun said.

Anyone witnessing wildlife or fishing violations is encouraged to contact the nearest conservation officer, law enforcement agency or the toll-free Turn-In-Poacher (TIP) hotline at 800-652-9093



Does anybody have more info on this?
It doesn't sound like a "unfortunate incident" to me.

Hunter

[beeker]

I got a better idea for a punishment... how about coot dinner every night until they've eaten them all.   1600$ seems pretty darn light

[thunderpout]

  Perfect Punishment! MMMMM.... Coot Burgers!

[JCAMERON]

I thought it was something like $100 a bird for restitution....

[fubar]

haha this hapened less than 2 miles away from my house! i probubly went to school with these kids. who hasnt shot coot?

[Go Big Red!]

great for fertilizer in the garden. 

[kgauker7]

everyone has shot coot but to take it to that extreme is just stupidity i've shot coots when i thought they were stoppin ducks from decoying but more often then not a lil extra movment in the dekes aint gonna hurt sure they kinda get annoying but they help on a windless day

[7outof10]

i don't understand why you can not shoot them ......? im not saying i would but just wondering

[HUNTER2]

You can shoot them, but there is a limit just like any other duck.

[PJ Maguire]

I popped a few last year to work my younger dog on a slow day. They actually neck-collar (red) coots so I always check em real close when they swim through the dekes.