Connecticut State Environmental Conservation Police, with the assistance of K9 Luna, recently apprehended poachers responsible for illegally harvesting striped bass along the Housatonic River.
On the evening of December 17, 2024, two EnCon officers and K9 Luna were conducting patrols to monitor striped bass poaching activity. While observing a group of six anglers, officers witnessed suspicious behavior. One angler climbed the riverbank, crossed a guardrail and road, and disappeared into a wooded hillside carrying what appeared to be a heavy load. Minutes later, the angler returned empty-handed and resumed fishing.
Officers approached the group and discovered that two anglers lacked valid fishing licenses. When questioned, the group denied catching or keeping any striped bass. However, the officers’ suspicions remained, prompting them to deploy K9 Luna to investigate the wooded hillside.
K9 Luna conducted a thorough search and uncovered four separate bags of striped bass buried in the ground and camouflaged with leaves. The bags were scattered along a 75-yard stretch of the roadside. In total, 34 striped bass were recovered, ranging in size from 12.5 inches to 25 inches—well outside the legal slot limit of 28 to 31 inches.
The anglers accumulated 64 striped bass violations and two license violations, resulting in fines totaling $4,974. All the fish were confiscated and donated to a non-profit wildlife rehabilitation organization.
This case highlights the continued efforts of Connecticut State Environmental Conservation Police to protect local fish populations and enforce sustainable fishing practices. Their vigilant work, with assistance from K9 Luna, ensures the preservation of the striped bass population for future generations.
Image/Source: OnTheWater
