FWC Weekly Report

Multiple FWC officers participated in a night flight over portions of Hernando and Pasco
counties. During the flight, Pilot Fields and Reserve Officer Thompson observed a
vehicle in Green Swamp West WMA. The vehicle was driving on a closed road and
headed towards the Richloam WMA area of ‘wooden gate.’ Officers Dearborn and
Pettifer stopped the vehicle within Richloam WMA and issued the operator a citation for
illegal entry into the WMA. During the stop, the officers learned another vehicle was
within Green Swamp West and the operator was engaged in hunting hogs. Pilot Fields
and Reserve Officer Thompson located the second vehicle off of Oil Well Road. Officer
Balfour, Reserve Officer Van Ost and Lieutenant Parisoe responded to the area. After a
brief search, the officers located the vehicle which was driving with no lights in order to
elude law enforcement. During the stop, the officers issued several citations for illegal
entry into the WMA and illegal hunting. The vehicle operator also received citations for
operating a vehicle off a designated roadway and driving without headlights.

I'm sure the penalties aren't pretty. As tempting as it may be, it's just not worth it.