LANDER, Wyo. — A multi-year wildlife poaching investigation in Fremont County has been finalized following a guilty plea in Circuit Court, according to a news release from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD).
The case involved the illegal taking of deer, elk and a moose. Lander resident Dakota Jordan recently pleaded guilty to eight wildlife charges stemming from illegal hunting activity. The incidents date back to 2021, and WGFD said the complex investigation involved nearly every game warden in the Lander Region. Game wardens worked with department wildlife investigators to scrutinize the illegal activities that spanned several years.
“This case highlights the dedication of our wardens and investigators, as well as the critical role modern forensic science plays in protecting Wyoming’s wildlife,” said Game Warden Jon Desonier, who led the investigation. “We are lucky to have the help and support of a top notch Wildlife Forensics Lab in Laramie.”
Following Jordan’s guilty plea, Circuit Court Judge Jefferson Coombs ordered the following penalties:
- A lifetime revocation of hunting and trapping privileges in Wyoming. Jordan is also prohibited from accompanying or being in the field with anyone who is hunting or trapping. The lifetime suspension is valid in all other states due to the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact.
- A 96-day jail sentence, which began following the court appearance.
- Three years of supervised probation.
- Fines and restitution that total $18,000.
- Forfeiture of all weapons, wildlife parts, and two vehicles used in the crimes. Titles to both vehicles have been signed over to WGFD.
Investigative breakthroughs that helped build the case included DNA samples from headless carcasses in the field that matched physical evidence found at the suspect’s property. Investigators also worked with a High Plains Power line maintenance crew to determine which specific utility line was depicted in the background of a suspect photograph.
Desonier worked closely with Fremont County Attorney Terry Martin and WGFD wildlife supervisor in the Lander Region Jason Hunter. WGFD wardens are currently coordinating with other law enforcement officials to locate and formally charge two or three additional co-defendants linked to the operation.
WGFD said that Jordan’s father was also involved in the case, pleading guilty several months ago to two related wildlife charges. He was sentenced to a five-year suspension of hunting priveleges and ordered to pay $5,370 in fines and restitution.
