Eagle Head Outfitters Guide Indicted for Lacy Act Violations

WICHITA, KAN – A Kansas hunting guide and his associates are facing serious federal charges for alleged violations of the Lacy Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Josh Hedges, 34, of Grenola, Kan., owner of Eagle Head Outfitters, was indicted on multiple counts including conspiracy to violate the Lacy Act and unlawful sale and transport of wildlife.

According to the indictment, Hedges and his employees, Jerad Stroot, 25, of Colwich, Kan., and Allen Stroot, 32, of Park City, Kan., are accused of exceeding daily bag limits, killing waterfowl over bait, hunting hawks, using electronic bird calls, and possessing untagged birds. Steve Seagraves, 61, of Douglasville, Ga., a customer of Eagle Head Outfitters, is also charged with violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act criminalizes the killing of migratory birds without a permit or in compliance with state regulations. The Lacy Act makes it unlawful to sell or transport wildlife taken in violation of state hunting laws. If convicted, Hedges faces up to five years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000 on some counts. The other counts carry a penalty of up to six months imprisonment and a fine of up to $5,000.

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The grim charges cast a shadow over the reputable hunting guide service, which has long been a staple in Kansas’ outdoor community.