Kirk Canfield, Bald Eagle Protection Act, New York 2014

Bald Eagle Poacher Sentenced to Probation

BUFFALO, N.Y. – A local farmer has been sentenced to six months probation and a $1,000 fine for poisoning three bald eagles on his property.

Kirk Canfield, 54, of Wilson, N.Y., was convicted of violating the Bald and Gold Eagle Protection Act. In addition to his sentence, he has been ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Bald Eagle Program.

The crime occurred on August 22, 2014, when Canfield placed a meat pile contaminated with Golden Malrin fly bait containing Methomyl, an insecticide not meant for animal consumption, in a cornfield on his farm in Wilson. Three juvenile bald eagles died after eating the contaminated meat pile, which was later removed by Canfield.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango stated that Canfield acted with ‘wanton disregard’ for the consequences of his actions. The poisoning of the bald eagles was a serious offense, as the species is protected under federal law.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Bald Eagle Program, has worked tirelessly to restore and protect the bald eagle population in New York. The program has been successful in reintroducing the species to the state, with over 170 nesting pairs currently residing in New York. Canfield’s actions were a setback for the program’s efforts.

The investigation into Canfield’s actions was conducted by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The sentencing is a result of the collaborative effort between the two agencies.

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