02/13/14 (Warsaw) Indiana Conservation Officers acting on a tip received on the 1.800.TIP.IDNR hotline, charged Matthew M. Kerkhoff, 21, of Warsaw for selling a Badger on Craigslist. Indiana Conservation Officer Nick Vander Molen received the TIP (Turn In a Poacher) case and subsequently investigated the allegations against Kerkhoff.
It is unlawful to sell or possess protected species such as Badgers, Bobcats, or River Otters without the proper permit from Indiana or another state. Kerkhoff sold a taxidermy mount Badger which led to the call to the TIP line. The TIP program does offer rewards for information leading to the arrest of any person violating fish and wildlife laws.
Kerkhoff now faces preliminary charges of unlawful possession of wildlife and unlawful sale of wildlife which are both C misdemeanors. Indiana Conservation Officers encourage persons to call the 1.800.TIP.IDNR hotline whenever they witness violations of fish and wildlife laws.
