Author Topic: Veteran Wildlife Officer Kills 76 Year Old Turkey Hunter on His Own Land (Read 8594 times)

Skunk · « **on:** April 13, 2009, 08:02:24 AM »

Here's another one to chew the fat over:

First Wildlife Officer Involved In Shooting In 25 Years

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30179740/

ThePiedmontChannel.com
updated 2 minutes ago

WILKES COUNTY, N.C. - State wildlife officials said a veteran officer who shot and killed a hunter in Wilkes County early Saturday morning near Cain Creek road on private property had been provoked and was acting in self-defense.

Wildlife Officer Mark Minton was patrolling the area for the first day of turkey hunting season when a confrontation occurred with a hunter, identified as 76-year-old Clyde Coffey.

Capt. Rusty Hunter with the North Carolina Wildlife Commission said the officer acted in self-defense when he shot and killed Coffey.

"There is no evidence to suggest the officer confused the hunter with an animal," Hunter said. "It appears, from all information gathered, the officer was protecting himself. And I don't know any further details than that."

Mark Minton is a 12-year veteran with the North Carolina Wildlife Commission.

Hunter said Minton was patrolling the area checking for bait traps, bag limits and hunting licenses.

Coffey's family members said Sunday they doubt Minton's claim that he was provoked. "He was taken from us and he was shot on his own land minding his own business. Who shoots a 76-year-old on his own land?" Coffey's daughter told WXII12 news.

"He was a family man who loved his family," she added. "They were the center of his world. This was totally senseless. He was the best father, and grandfather and great-grandfather."

Wildlife officials said this is no doubt a difficult time for its officer's and the victim's family.

"I just can't imagine being put in that situation as a law enforcement officer," Hunter said. "Every emotion you can think of as a supervisor of another wildlife officer, knowing that someone has been shot, whether it's an officer or a sportsman -- every emotion you can imagine you go through."

Minton is on administrative leave pending a State Bureau of Investigation inspection.

This is the first wildlife officer-involved shooting in almost 25 years.

dukkillr · « **Reply #1 on:** April 13, 2009, 08:24:20 AM »

Horrible. It will be interesting to see what facts come out of this situation. I have a hard time imagining an old guy like that threatening the life of a game officer. Of course last year that dad who killed his kid was high on meth... sometimes people do strange things.

Cement Man · « **Reply #2 on:** April 13, 2009, 08:45:24 AM »

Yes it is horrible - and not enough information to speculate on the reason for this tragedy.

Bornsouthern34 · « **Reply #3 on:** April 13, 2009, 08:53:26 AM »

"Coffey's family members said Sunday they doubt Minton's claim that he was provoked. "He was taken from us and he was shot on his own land minding his own business. Who shoots a 76-year-old on his own land?" Coffey's daughter told WXII12 news."

Just like his daughter, I could never imagine a man (regardless of age) confronting someone on their own land. That just wouldn't make sense. NOT! I know of plenty of officers who have been threatened when they approach individuals, especially on their land. We have all probably been approached by officers in my day just trying to do their job and keep people honest. I don't like the idea of anyone being able to come onto my land but if you have nothing to hide then there should never be a problem.

Oldshooter · « **Reply #4 on:** April 13, 2009, 08:55:43 AM »

A tradgedy! Keep us posted on the investigation!

nw_hunter · « **Reply #5 on:** April 13, 2009, 08:59:41 AM »

Quote from: Skunk on April 13, 2009, 08:02:24 AM

Here's another one to chew the fat over:

First Wildlife Officer Involved In Shooting In 25 Years

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30179740/

ThePiedmontChannel.com
updated 2 minutes ago

WILKES COUNTY, N.C. - State wildlife officials said a veteran officer who shot and killed a hunter in Wilkes County early Saturday morning near Cain Creek road on private property had been provoked and was acting in self-defense.

Wildlife Officer Mark Minton was patrolling the area for the first day of turkey hunting season when a confrontation occurred with a hunter, identified as 76-year-old Clyde Coffey.

Capt. Rusty Hunter with the North Carolina Wildlife Commission said the officer acted in self-defense when he shot and killed Coffey.

"There is no evidence to suggest the officer confused the hunter with an animal," Hunter said. "It appears, from all information gathered, the officer was protecting himself. And I don't know any further details than that."

Mark Minton is a 12-year veteran with the North Carolina Wildlife Commission.

Hunter said Minton was patrolling the area checking for bait traps, bag limits and hunting licenses.

Coffey's family members said Sunday they doubt Minton's claim that he was provoked. "He was taken from us and he was shot on his own land minding his own business. Who shoots a 76-year-old on his own land?" Coffey's daughter told WXII12 news.

"He was a family man who loved his family," she added. "They were the center of his world. This was totally senseless. He was the best father, and grandfather and great-grandfather."

Wildlife officials said this is no doubt a difficult time for its officer's and the victim's family.

"I just can't imagine being put in that situation as a law enforcement officer," Hunter said. "Every emotion you can think of as a supervisor of another wildlife officer, knowing that someone has been shot, whether it's an officer or a sportsman -- every emotion you can imagine you go through."

Minton is on administrative leave pending a State Bureau of Investigation inspection.

This is the first wildlife officer-involved shooting in almost 25 years.

Just have to wait till more information is released to begin chewing the fat on this one

Skunk · « **Reply #6 on:** April 13, 2009, 09:07:59 AM »

From what I heard about it on The Campfire, Coffey was in a tree stand, hunting over bait. Minton saw him and demanded that Coffey come down from the stand. After arguing, Coffey said, "if I come down and if you are still here I will kill you." When Coffey came down, Minton had to take cover (that's how I read it - nothing about gunfire or anything else, just that Minton had to take cover). And then moments later, Minton "was radioing for back up and moments he was call for EMS and was doing CRP...."

Here is where I learned about this story and where I got the above Info and quotes about the actions of Minton and Coffey:

http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/2959065/page/1/nt/2/fpart/1

Questor · « **Reply #7 on:** April 13, 2009, 09:24:32 AM »

Hey man! This is the internet! We're supposed to speculate wildly with a minimum of facts. Stop slacking off and posit some crackbrained nonsense!!!

Seriously, though, it would not surprise me if this were a confrontation where the property owner thought he was dealing with a tresspasser, and the cop didn't properly identify himself.

Oldshooter · « **Reply #8 on:** April 13, 2009, 09:29:25 AM »

Quote

Hey man! This is the internet! We're supposed to speculate wildly with a minimum of facts. Stop slacking off and posit some crackbrained nonsense!

Yea, I guess we are being a little out of character huh?

Skunk · « **Reply #9 on:** April 13, 2009, 09:34:56 AM »

Here is a link to an update, and a video (upper right side of page) that claims it was a self defense shooting.

http://www.wxii12.com/news/19168167/detail.html

teamnelson · « **Reply #10 on:** April 13, 2009, 09:50:20 AM »

President Bush has been demonized for authorizing the collection of information on suspected terrorists operating in our country, while Game Wardens are in many places authorized to enter & search private property without a warrant. Evidently counter-poaching is much more vital to our nation than counter-terrorism.

No matter how the details fall out, a man dead over a pile of corn is a sad story. My prayers go out to Mr. Coffey's family, a couple of whom were evidently hunting with him that morning.

mauser98us · « **Reply #11 on:** April 13, 2009, 10:01:35 AM »

A good friend of mine was a officer In the Arizona Game and Fish Dept. He had over 30 years and would have died doing his job before he retired. He loved it that much. He finnally retired after 35 years complaining the Dept was trying to make street cops out of them. he said the training was more in tune to urban warfare senarios that wildlife management. So maybe the story isn't that far fetched.

Syncerus · « **Reply #12 on:** April 13, 2009, 10:43:40 AM »

Time tells all. Let's disappoint the Left on this one and not blame Obama.

victorcharlie · « **Reply #13 on:** April 13, 2009, 01:44:55 PM »

Why was the officer on private property without permission or a warrant anyway?

Wait, those are the kings turkeys aren't they?

IMO game wardens have far to much authority and this authority needs judicial review. Any government agent who wishes to enter and search private property needs a warrant.

What happened to the forth amendment?

Oldshooter · « **Reply #14 on:** April 13, 2009, 01:54:17 PM »

From all that I know in Texas, they can come in your house and look in the freezer! Now that has never happened to me but its gonna get ugly if it does.

dukkillr · « **Reply #15 on:** April 13, 2009, 02:13:02 PM »

Quote from: victorcharlie on April 13, 2009, 01:44:55 PM

Why was the officer on private property without permission or a warrant anyway?

Wait, those are the kings turkeys aren't they?

IMO game wardens have far to much authority and this authority needs judicial review. Any government agent who wishes to enter and search private property needs a warrant.

What happened to the forth amendment?

Do you want a legal answer?

Arier Blut · « **Reply #16 on:** April 13, 2009, 02:52:06 PM »

Anything in plain sight does not require a warrant. So any law enforcement officer can search your land without a warrant if he has probable cause. Your vehicle or boat is limited to areas accessible by occupants (excludes locked glove box, covered bed, locked truck box or trunk. Probable cause must exist to search further than plain sight or accessible areas to occupants without a warrant. However a vehicle can be impounded and the contents itemized without a warrant. The items then can be legally used in court.
Unless given consent law enforcement cannot search a house without probable cause or a warrant. Probable cause is an extremely gray area. All that needs to be proven is a rational individual with the officers level of training could suspect the same.

I'm curious to see the probable cause of the officer in this case for being on the land. Just because an individual is hunting does not merit probable cause. If the gentleman was seen (or warden informed of) hunting illegally that would merit probable cause.

1marty · « **Reply #17 on:** April 13, 2009, 03:02:45 PM »

since one guy is dead you'll never get the other side of the story. At times-not all the time-I have found these game wardens come on like storm troopers. The other year by me some guy was riding illegally a ATV through a state park. The officer confronted him and the next thing you know the unarmed atv rider had a few bullet holes in him.
P.S. I avoid becoming confrontational when hunting with someone who is armed too.

dukkillr · « **Reply #18 on:** April 13, 2009, 03:04:03 PM »

Quote from: Arier Blut on April 13, 2009, 02:52:06 PM

Anything in plain sight does not require a warrant. So any law enforcement officer can search your land without a warrant if he has probable cause. Your vehicle or boat is limited to areas accessible by occupants (excludes locked glove box, covered bed, locked truck box or trunk. Probable cause must exist to search further than plain sight or accessible areas to occupants without a warrant. However a vehicle can be impounded and the contents itemized without a warrant. The items then can be legally used in court.
Unless given consent law enforcement cannot search a house without probable cause or a warrant. Probable cause is an extremely gray area. All that needs to be proven is a rational individual with the officers level of training could suspect the same.

I'm curious to see the probable cause of the officer in this case for being on the land. Just because an individual is hunting does not merit probable cause. If the gentleman was seen (or warden informed of) hunting illegally that would merit probable cause.

Two issues:
1) There is no issue with Probable Cause. Look up the "Open Fields Doctrine" and see Oliver v. United States, 466 U.S. 170, 104 S.Ct. 1735, 80 L.Ed.2d 214 (1984).
2) When you agree to buy a hunting license you agree to allow reasonable inspection to show compliance with wildlife rules.

nomosendero · « **Reply #19 on:** April 13, 2009, 03:15:52 PM »

I just don't know enough real facts to state an opinion.

But this much is certain, it is a terrible tragedy & no animal is worth this.

ncsurveyor · « **Reply #20 on:** April 13, 2009, 03:23:48 PM »

Notwithstanding the open fields doctrine, I find it suspect that the WRO would have simply wandered onto private property to do routine checks. I suspect someone tipped him off, which would justify the just cause.

Now, could it have been handled better - that's up to debate.

Frankly, having surveyed in Wilkes County NC a few times, my impression is that violating a man's property with an intimidating attitude is going to lead to some ill will, whether a bait pile, moonshine still, or a couple stalks of diggity dank.

Justice may have been bettered served with a CANON as opposed to the cannon. But hindsight is always 20/20.

Wonder what would happen if a tree stand could be considered "curtilage"?

powderman · « **Reply #21 on:** April 13, 2009, 03:28:43 PM »

I believe that here in KY a game warden can go anywhere he wants with or without probable cause. Police need warrants, game wardens do not. POWDERMAN.

nomosendero · « **Reply #22 on:** April 13, 2009, 06:12:15 PM »

Quote from: powderman on April 13, 2009, 03:28:43 PM

I believe that here in KY a game warden can go anywhere he wants with or without probable cause. Police need warrants, game wardens do not. POWDERMAN.

Same here in AR., they can look at your refrigerator merely on hearsay, tresspass, whatever they like really.

beerbelly · « **Reply #23 on:** April 14, 2009, 01:44:51 AM »

Our own little version of the Gestapo.
Beerbelly

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #24 on:** April 14, 2009, 03:12:18 AM »

The problem I see is, conservation officers some times take things to far. I am not saying all conservation officers are like this, but some of them want to make a name for themselves. They are no different then the cop that over steps his authority.

Some of these guys are on a power trip, and they are waiting for you to give them a reason.

Now I have seen a lot of good conservation officers and dealt with them on a regular bases, but you always have that one ate up guy, that even the other conservation officers or cops don't like.

It is tragic the old guy died, as someone else said, he is not here to give his side of the story.

Bornsouthern34 · « **Reply #25 on:** April 14, 2009, 05:16:39 PM »

"The problem I see is, conservation officers some times take things to far."

Do they take things too far or do we get upset because they do not allow bending of the rules? If you knew you were doing 3 MPH over the speed limit and the cop wrote you a ticket, I bet you would be pissed and so would I. However, would we assume the cop was trying to make a name for himself or just doing his job?

How serious are we about doing our own jobs correctly or should we allow bending of the rules?

mirage1988 · « **Reply #26 on:** April 14, 2009, 05:33:33 PM »

CO's very often take things too far. The only measure of their job performance is how many citations they write. They have, and will write you a ticket for a fish that is 1/8 inch over slot, even though they know that that fish was under when you put it in the livewell. In minnesota few years ago they found a bunch of the rulers that you stick on the side of your boat were almost an inch off at 18 inches. Guess who printed them up? MNDNR, thats who, and when they were confronted about it, no-one knew where they could have possibly came from.
Still curious about the other side of the story though- was the officer investigating a gunshot? Maybe the old man poached a deer and got confrontational when the warden got too snoopy?

beerbelly · « **Reply #27 on:** April 15, 2009, 02:32:06 AM »

I have never met one that wasn't a thug on a power trip! And no I have never been cited by one. But have had them talk to me in manner that made me want to shoot the SOB.
Beerbelly

Questor · « **Reply #28 on:** April 15, 2009, 02:38:45 AM »

Mirage1988:

I would like to see one of those rulers. I keep one of those stick-on rulers in my boat. It's stuck to the bench seat of my 14' aluminum. Very handy.

I have met COs who were very decent and helpful. I actually enjoy encountering them because they are fun to chat with and I always learn something. I always share some info too. Maybe I've just been lucky.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #29 on:** April 15, 2009, 02:53:49 AM »

In Va. we had a switch from Game Warden to Game Police . It was said that it would gain more respect for the warden -I mean policeman .
Not knowing any facts , it would seem stupid for a game warden to shoot someone unless he feared for his life what with the hell he had to know he would go thru.