Branden Trager, Lacey Act Crime, Washington 2023

Washington Hunting Guide Faces Charges for Lacey Act Crime

Grimy Times has learned that Branden Trager of Brush Prairie, Washington, and his guiding company Mayhem Services LLC have pleaded guilty to violating the Lacey Act in federal court in Tacoma.

According to court documents, Trager admitted to violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) during a January 2023 hunting trip in western Washington, and then transporting the taken birds in violation of the Lacey Act.

The Lacey Act, enacted 125 years ago, protects the nation’s wildlife resources by prohibiting wildlife violations that cross state or international borders.

Trager also acknowledged that in 2022, he brought hunters into British Columbia, Canada, where he guided waterfowl hunting trips targeting the harlequin duck, despite not being allowed to operate as a hunting guide under Canadian law.

The harlequin duck is a small sea duck with a habitat ranging from Alaska to California, and is prized by hunters as a trophy and as part of a challenge to hunt 41 North American waterfowl species.

Washington closed harlequin hunting for the 2022-2023 season, but limited hunting remained open in British Columbia.

As part of his plea agreement, Trager faces a recommended fine of $100,000 and Mayhem Services faces a recommended fine of $75,000. The defendants have also agreed to make a public statement expressing contrition and emphasizing the importance of hunting, guiding, and wildlife regulations.

Sentencing is scheduled for October 16.

The investigation into Trager’s activities was led by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement, along with Homeland Security Investigations, British Columbia Conservation Officer Service, and the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife.

Senior Trial Attorney Ryan Connors and Trial Attorney Sarah Brown of the Environmental Crimes Section prosecuted the case with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington.

The Lacey Act is the nation’s oldest wildlife trafficking law, and prohibits transporting wildlife that had been illegally taken under federal, state, tribal or foreign law.

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act is a U.S. law that implemented treaties with Canada and other nations to ensure sustainable populations of migratory birds.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson made the announcement.

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