The Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency (TWRA) just released the stiffest poaching penalty in state history. TWRA became aware of a poaching spree in Late-December after two men, Densibel Calzada, 23, and Eddy Albert, 21, were caught trespassing in Rutherford County. According to The Tennessean, the same two men were stopped by a Smyrna police officer two days later, and a dead deer was found in the back of their truck along with a case of beer.
Following the traffic stop, TWRA started doing search warrants on their phones and homes. What they would find would lead to the harshest penalty ever issued by the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency.
Officers found videos of night time shooting, grotesque treatment to wildlife, and believe the men are responsible for poaching at least 40 deer.
Calzada and Albert have been issued with the following:
- Lifetime hunting ban in 44 states
- $1,000 each in court costs
- $5,000 in restitution
- Weapons confiscated
- 100 hours of community service for the TWRA
- 18 months of probation
Way to go Tennessee! Talk about sending a message to poachers. Now if only the rest of the states would follow Tennessee’s lead. For instance, check how light the penalties were for this Wisconsin poacher who also killed 40 deer illegally in the Boone and Crockett Capital of the World!
