Two men caught hunting on private land without the landowner’s consent were arrested by Oklahoma game wardens, and one of the perpetrators faces eight charges.
The Oklahoma Game Wardens described Dustin Ray Higgins and Darrell Dean Gregory as “notorious wildlife violators,” who also happen to be convicted felons, as reported by KTUL. It was unclear what their previous violations entailed.
They were apprehended last week near Foraker, Oklahoma, in Osage County and were found in possession of a firearm, had no driver’s license, were driving an untagged and uninsured truck that was later reported as stolen, and had an illegal deer head in the feed box of the truck, according to the Oklahoma Game Wardens Facebook post.
According to the Osage County Sheriff’s Office, Higgins (pictured at left in the arrest photos) is charged with three counts of carrying or possessing a firearm by a convicted felon; unlawful possession of wildlife; possession of a controlled substance; obstructing an officer; removed, falsified or unauthorized identification; and receiving, possessing and concealing a stolen vehicle.
Gregory is charged with one count of carrying or possessing a firearm by a convicted felon. Both were booked into Osage County Jail.
Wardens Larry Green and Spencer Grace were lauded for their efforts on the Oklahoma Game Wardens Facebook page. Among the comments:
“Great work Wardens Green and Grace!”
“Sounds like those dudes are something else! Good job busting them. Hopefully they learn their lesson.”
“Good job wardens. Thank you for your service.”
“Awesome. Need more of these types of people ticketed.”
“Keep up the amazing work wardens. All of us honest, ethical hunters appreciate it!!!”
Arrest photos courtesy of Osage County Jail.