During a flight to Sacramento in November 2023, a California couple, Byron Lee Fitzpatrick and Shannon Lee Price, unintentionally confessed to illegal hunting activities while seated behind two wildlife officers. Their audacious conversation included boasting about hunting a protected mountain lion and transporting a sea turtle skull, triggering an investigation that revealed further wildlife violations at their home.
The couple eventually reached a plea agreement in Butte County, resulting in fines totaling nearly $3,000 and a year of probation that prohibits them from hunting. Their case is part of a broader effort by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to address and enforce laws against illegal hunting, highlighting the consequences of careless bragging.
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