POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY, Iowa – Iowa Department of Natural Resources state park rangers have charged two hunters after a tip was reported by fishermen of shots fired at Lake Manawa on July 22.
Approximately 12:52 a.m. on July 22, DNR state park rangers conducted a traffic stop on Gifford Road in Council Bluffs, in reference to the gunshots heard. Sein Ram, 37, and Gungsar Yungtang, 17, both of Omaha, stated they were rabbit hunting with a flash light from a motor vehicle.
At that time, both Ram and Yungtang were cited for hunting by artificial light, hunting without a non-resident hunting license, and illegal attempt to take game (rabbits). During the traffic stop, a .22 caliber rifle, ammunition and a flash light were seized.
After further investigation of the scene, a deceased female whitetail deer was found with multiple gunshot wounds. The Iowa DNR found a blood trail consistent with being shot from the roadway. A .22 caliber bullet was recovered from the deer carcass.
Iowa DNR park rangers met with Ram again later that day and charged him with failure to have a non-resident antlerless deer license, abandonment of dead or injured wildlife, illegal method of take, shooting a firearm over a roadway, and trespassing. Ram received warnings for prohibited hunting near an occupied building, refusal to exhibit catch to an officer, shooting a deer out of season, use of a motor vehicle for deer hunting, and manner of conveyance for having a loaded weapon in a vehicle.
Yungtang was fined $450. Ram was fined $3,808.70.
The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activity through the Iowa DNR Turn In Poachers (TIP) hotline at 1-800-532-2020.
Note: A criminal charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.