Poachers Plead Guilty to Killing 41 Bobcats
Three men face federal charges after illegally killing protected wildlife in New Hampshire and trafficking the pelts.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Wildlife
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Three men have pleaded guilty to federal wildlife-trafficking charges after an investigation revealed they illegally killed 41 protected bobcats in New Hampshire. The group used bait to lure the animals before shipping their pelts to international markets.
Why it matters
This case highlights federal efforts to enforce the 126-year-old Lacey Act, which protects wildlife by regulating the trade of illegally taken animals. It underscores the risks of organized poaching operations that threaten local biodiversity and exploit regional environmental laws.
The investigation, known as Operation Night Cat, tracked the killing of 41 protected bobcats, with one defendant, Inman, personally linked to the deaths of at least 20 animals. The defendants attempted to evade law enforcement by applying false tags to pelts.
The players
New Hampshire State Prison for Men
A state correctional facility where two of the defendants formerly held positions as officers.
The details
The poaching operation utilized bait piles on both private and state land to attract bobcats for illegal nighttime hunting, which occurred out of season. Once killed, the pelts were transported to New York, where the group attached fraudulent tags to make them appear legal. These laundered goods were then exported to Canada to be sold at a fur auction.
Timeline
2024: The defendants were convicted of state-level offenses.
October 2026: Three individuals entered federal guilty pleas.
The Home Front
This case serves as a notable application of the 126-year-old Lacey Act, which remains the primary federal tool for regulating the transport of illegally taken wildlife. It marks a significant effort to protect local animal populations from organized black-market commercialization.
Residents should remain vigilant for illegal hunting activity on their property, including the unauthorized placement of bait piles. If you observe suspicious poaching activity or illegal nighttime shooting, report it to the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.
The takeaway
This case serves as a reminder that wildlife trafficking remains a serious federal crime subject to strict prosecution under the Lacey Act. Residents are encouraged to document and report any unauthorized hunting or baiting activities noticed on or near their private property.
Further reading
Learn more about the Wildlife protections in place for state residents.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Cool Down.
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