Fitzpatrick, Alabama – Daryl Michael Fischer, of Seminole, Florida, has been sentenced to a year of probation and a $1,000 federal fine for his role in the illegal poisoning of wildlife on Bucksnort Plantation near Fitzpatrick, Alabama. The incident, which occurred on January 31, 2014, involved the deliberate misuse of the highly toxic pesticide Aldicarb, marketed as Temik, in an attempt to control coyote populations. Fischer’s co-conspirator, Russell Taylor of Loxahatchee, Florida, received a similar sentence of probation, a $1,000 fine, and was also ordered to pay $13,250 in restitution.
According to court documents and statements from federal investigators, Fischer and Taylor sprinkled Temik granules on a deer carcass and distributed it across the plantation grounds. This method of application is strictly prohibited, as Temik is not approved for use as an animal poison and poses a significant threat to non-target species. The resulting contamination led to the deaths of multiple animals, including three fox-hunting dogs, two red-tailed hawks, and a black vulture – a devastating loss for both the hunting club and the local ecosystem.
Illegal Pesticide Use & Wildlife Impact
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service launched a joint investigation that revealed the intentional and reckless nature of the poisoning. Maureen O’Mara, Special Agent in Charge of the EPA’s criminal enforcement program in Alabama, emphasized the dangers of misusing pesticides. “Using pesticides for purposes other than their registered use is illegal and puts people, animals and the environment at risk of exposure,” O’Mara stated. “Pesticide labels and usage instructions must be followed carefully to ensure safe application.”
Federal prosecutors highlighted the severity of the crime, pointing to the violation of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136j(a)(2)(G)). This law regulates the distribution, sale, and use of pesticides, and specifically prohibits applications inconsistent with labeling instructions. The case underscores the EPA’s commitment to prosecuting individuals who flout these regulations and endanger wildlife.
Restitution & Hunting Ban
In addition to probation and fines, both Fischer and Taylor were prohibited from hunting all game animals, including deer and migratory birds, for one year. They are also responsible for publishing a public notice in the Union Springs Herald detailing the dangers of misusing toxic pesticides, a measure intended to educate the public and deter future violations. Luis Santiago, Special Agent in Charge of the Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement, lauded the collaborative effort that led to the successful prosecution. “Our agents will continue to work with federal, state, and local agencies to vigorously pursue those who misuse registered use pesticides,” Santiago said.
GrimyTimes Investigation
This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of irresponsible pesticide use and the importance of adhering to federal regulations designed to protect both human health and the environment. The GrimyTimes will continue to follow developments in environmental crime and report on efforts to hold perpetrators accountable. Assistant United States Attorney Gray M. Borden prosecuted the case, securing convictions against both defendants on January 21, 2015, after charges were initially filed on July 22, 2014.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Daryl Michael Fischer, Russell Taylor
- Crime: Illegal pesticide poisoning of wildlife
- Location: Bucksnort Plantation, Fitzpatrick, Alabama
- Pesticide Used: Aldicarb (Temik)
- Date of Incident: January 31, 2014
- Statute Violated: 7 U.S.C. 136j(a)(2)(G) – Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act
- Penalties: 12 months probation, $1,000 fine (Fischer); 12 months probation, $1,000 fine, $13,250 restitution (Taylor); One-year hunting ban; Public notice publication
- Wildlife Impact: Death of three fox-hunting dogs, two red-tailed hawks, and one black vulture
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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