Efforts to protect California's wildlife and prevent illegal hunting practices.
A couple from Chico, California, has been convicted of various wildlife crimes after their illicit hunting practices were revealed during a flight. The duo, Byron Lee Fitzpatrick and Shannon Lee Price, were found transporting a federally endangered green sea turtle skull and were implicated in additional violations involving protected species. Extensive searches uncovered numerous illegal animal parts and the couple faces fines and probation as part of the legal repercussions. This case highlights the ongoing struggle against wildlife trafficking and the necessity for stricter protections.
In a surprising turn of events, a couple from Chico, California, has found themselves in hot water after being convicted of multiple wildlife crimes linked to their questionable hunting practices. It all began during a routine flight back to their hometown from San Diego in November 2023, when two plain-clothes canine officers from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) overheard a conversation that would unravel a disturbing tale of illegal wildlife transportation.
As these officers took their seats, they were seated right in front of Byron Lee Fitzpatrick, 24, and Shannon Lee Price, 28. Unbeknownst to the couple, their casual discussion about hunting would raise some major red flags. The officers soon learned that the couple was traveling with the skull of a green sea turtle, a species that is classified as federally endangered. This alarming revelation was just the tip of the iceberg.
In a twist of fate, Fitzpatrick and Price casually mentioned that they had hunted a mountain lion, which is a specially protected species in California. They even went so far as to share a video showcasing a family member’s “trophy room” in Napa County, where taxidermied mountain lions, wolves, and a wolverine were on display. Little did they know this would soon turn into a legal nightmare.
On landing, the officers wasted no time in asking to see the sea turtle’s skull. To everyone’s surprise, the couple acknowledged that possessing it might be illegal. The skull was cleverly concealed in a jacket within their carry-on luggage and was later confirmed to belong to a green sea turtle. Their admissions led the CDFW and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to launch a deeper investigation into the couple’s actions.
After consulting with the appropriate authorities, search warrants were obtained for both their residence in Chico and the home of their relative, Harry Vern Fitzpatrick, 64, in Napa County. What officers discovered during the searches was nothing short of shocking. At the Chico residence, they found the couple actively processing an illegally taken deer—in itself a serious violation.
A series of illegal possessions were also uncovered, including mountain lion claws, a ringtail cat—a fully protected species in California—a barn owl mount, and several deer that bore tagging violations. To highlight the egregious nature of their actions, it was important to note that the deer season was closed, and the couple didn’t have the necessary tags to legally hunt these animals.
Meanwhile, the search of Harry Vern Fitzpatrick’s home in Napa County revealed two full-bodied taxidermied mountain lions and a taxidermied wolverine, both of which are protected under state law. In total, all seized animals and parts became crucial evidence in the prosecutions that followed in Napa County, Butte County, and even at the federal level.
Subsequent formal complaints were filed against the trio, leading to a series of convictions. Harry Vern Fitzpatrick faced two Fish and Game violations, resulting in him being fined $605 and receiving six months of probation. The couple, Byron Fitzpatrick and Shannon Price, were also not spared. They were both fined $1,000 for federal wildlife violations in April 2024.
As the legal fallout continued, Fitzpatrick was convicted of two additional violations on January 30, 2025, resulting in an $1,865 fine and a year of probation. Price wasn’t spared either, facing a $1,015 fine and a year of probation for her legal missteps.
Amidst all these developments, the CDFW Chief of Law Enforcement, Nathaniel Arnold, emphasized the critical need for protecting wildlife. He noted that wildlife trafficking is often linked to larger, international criminal organizations, making these prosecutions not just a matter of local concern but a significant issue that impacts communities and ecosystems far and wide.
This shocking case serves as a stern reminder of the responsibilities hunting enthusiasts shoulder, and the severe consequences that follow if they disregard the laws meant to protect California’s precious wildlife.
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