In late 2021, members of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation responded to a report that would lead to a nearly two-year, multi-departmental investigation into the shooting deaths of four whooping cranes, one of the rarest and most endangered birds in North America. In this episode, Wildlife Investigations Specialist Emily Long, whose dedication and meticulous work on this case earned her the title of 2024 IWC Game Warden of the Year, details the story.
Our Sponsors:
North American Game Warden Museum
Wildlife Heritage Foundation of NH
International Wildlife Crimestoppers
Here’s what we discuss:
- Sole full-time investigator in Oklahoma
- New positions created to investigate both state and federal wildlife crimes
- Jointly funded by both state and federal departments
- Fewer than 600 whooping cranes left worldwide
- OK closes hunting when advised by USGS that cranes are migrating
- Local wardens respond to a call about an injured whooping crane
- The wounded bird is rescued, but does not survive
- Days later, a stationary tracking device is detected nearby
- Game wardens discover the crime scene
- Investigation reveals three more deceased cranes
- Painstakingly searching thousands of cell tower records
- Suspects are slowly eliminated
- Geolocation data finally offers a break
- The first confession exposes four suspects
- Potentially accidental shootings lead to intentional coverup
- Charges are brought under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act
- All four men plead guilty
- A collective total of $71,000 in fines
- Multiple agencies at all levels collaborated to bring the case to a successful conclusion
Credits
Hosts: Wayne Saunders and John Nores
Producer: Jay Ammann
Warden’s Watch logo & Design: Ashley Hannett
Research / Content Coordinator: Stacey DesRoches
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