Alleged poachers killed more than a dozen stripers out of season
Last week, SCDNR officers in Richland County received a tip about several men catching and keeping striped bass out of season on the Saluda River behind Riverbanks Zoo. That area of the river is catch-and-release only from June 16 through Sept. 30.
After a brief investigation, LCpl. Bryant and LCpl. Smith were able to determine two individuals had stashed a light-weight cooler containing 13 striped bass and were checking to see if it was clear to bring the fish out first. The individuals were charged with nine counts of taking striped bass out of season. All tackle and equipment were seized as evidence.
On the same day, three others were charged with taking striped bass out of season. These two incidents combined resulted in a total of 12 summons for taking striped bass out of season, as well as one charge for catching game fish with a non-game fishing device.
The seized fish are currently stored as evidence. After court, they are donated to local homeless shelters and foster homes.
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