July 7, 2008       
Vol. 38, No. 316

For more information, contact Sgt. Gregory Rhodes, Fish and Wildlife Enforcement, 302-542-6102 or 302-739-9913, or Joanna Wilson, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.

Sussex Taxidermist Fined for Operating
Without Valid Federal Waterfowl Permit

Following an investigation that began last fall, a Sussex County taxidermist was caught on July 1 with waterfowl and deer awaiting mounting in his shop but no valid permit to handle the waterfowl. Agents found in January that his federal waterfowl permit had expired in 2001.

In February, an undercover Fish and Wildlife Enforcement agent took a black duck to the taxidermist and asked him to mount it. The undercover agent was asked to return later, as the taxidermist’s freezer was full at that time. He returned in June and the duck was accepted for mounting with a $40 cash deposit. 

On July 1, a search warrant was executed at the business and verified that the taxidermist was mounting migratory waterfowl without a valid waterfowl permit. Agents found he was in possession of 17 migratory waterfowl that were not tagged in compliance with federal regulations, as well as two whitetail deer – one already mounted - that did not have a valid tag attached. The waterfowl and deer were seized as evidence.

Agents arrested Wilbur L. Medley Jr., age 47, of 23206 Lawson Road, Georgetown, and charged him with one count of no valid waterfowl taxidermy permit and six counts of untagged birds under federal regulations, plus one count of hunting crows out of season.  

Mr. Medley was taken to Justice of the Peace Court No. 3 in Georgetown, where he pled guilty to all charges and was fined $434. The investigation on the two whitetail deer is still pending.

For further information, contact Sgt. Gregory Rhodes, Fish and Wildlife Enforcement, at 302-542-6102 or 302-739-9913.