A multi-year poaching investigation involving deer, elk and a moose has ended with a Lander man receiving a lifetime hunting ban, jail time and $18,000 in fines and restitution.
Dakota Jordan pleaded guilty to eight wildlife charges involving illegal hunting activities dating back to 2021, according to a Wyoming Game and Fish Department press release. The investigation brought together game wardens, wildlife investigators and forensic scientists, with evidence ranging from DNA matches to utility lines visible in a photograph.
Lifetime Ban and Vehicle Forfeitures
Circuit Court Judge Jefferson Coombs sentenced Jordan to 96 days in jail and three years of supervised probation. Jordan began serving his jail sentence following his court appearance.
His Wyoming hunting and trapping privileges were revoked for life. Under Wyoming law, that restriction also prohibits him from accompanying or being in the field with anyone who is hunting or trapping. Game and Fish said the lifetime suspension also applies in 49 other states through the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact.
The penalties included forfeiture of weapons, wildlife parts and two vehicles used in the crimes. Both vehicle titles have been signed over to Game and Fish, although final forfeiture proceedings for equipment used in the crimes remain pending in Fremont County District Court.
DNA Evidence Connected Carcasses to Seized Wildlife Parts
Nearly every game warden in the Lander Region participated in the investigation alongside department wildlife investigators.
Investigators documented evidence of additional illegally taken animals, but prosecutors focused on eight counts supported by conclusive location data, text messages, photographs and forensic DNA matches.
DNA collected from headless carcasses found in the field was entered into the department’s forensic database. Those samples eventually matched physical evidence recovered at Jordan’s property.
In another instance, Game and Fish personnel spotted a poached elk during routine winter elk classification flights. Wardens collected DNA from the carcass, which matched elk ivories seized during a search of the property.
A photograph also helped investigators establish where a moose had been illegally taken near Crowheart. Working with a High Plains Power line maintenance crew, investigators matched utility lines in the photograph to identify the location.
Game Warden Jon Desonier, who led the investigation, credited the department’s Wildlife Forensics Lab in Laramie with helping build the case.
Related Conviction and Additional Investigation
Jordan’s father previously pleaded guilty to two related wildlife counts. He received a five-year suspension of hunting privileges and was ordered to pay $5,370 in fines and restitution.
Game and Fish said wardens are coordinating with law enforcement in neighboring states and tribal authorities on the Wind River Reservation to locate and formally charge two to three additional potential co-defendants.
Desonier also credited deputy Fremont County Attorney Terry Martin, the county attorney’s office, Lander Region Wildlife Supervisor Jason Hunter, members of the public and High Plains employees for their contributions.
How to Report Wildlife Crimes
Anyone with information about illegal wildlife activity can contact Wyoming Game and Fish through these reporting options:
- Call: 1-877-WGFD-TIP, or 1-877-943-3847.
- Text: Send the keyword WGFD and a message to 847-411.
- Online: Submit information through the department’s Stop Poaching reporting page.
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