Three Men Plead Guilty to Illegal Bobcat Trafficking
The defendants illegally killed dozens of protected bobcats in New Hampshire for sale at a Canadian fur auction.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Wildlife
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Three men have pleaded guilty to federal wildlife-trafficking charges after an investigation revealed they killed 41 protected bobcats. The group used bait piles on New Hampshire land to lure the animals before shipping the pelts abroad.
Why it matters
The case highlights the continued enforcement of wildlife protection laws aimed at preventing illegal commercialization of protected species. By using bait piles and falsifying tags, the defendants attempted to bypass regulations designed to manage bobcat populations.
The investigation, known as Operation Night Cat, targeted five men involved in the illegal killing of 41 protected bobcats. The perpetrators violated the 126-year-old Lacey Act to facilitate the sale of pelts.
The players
Inman
He is a former corrections officer at the New Hampshire State Prison for Men who was linked to illegal hunting and the sale of pills.
Dubrey Jr.
He is a former corrections officer at the New Hampshire State Prison for Men who was convicted of state offenses.
The details
The group illegally hunted bobcats using bait piles on both private and state land, often during prohibited nighttime hours or out-of-season periods. Pelts were transported to New York to receive false tags before being exported to Canada for auction.
Timeline
State authorities secured separate convictions against the men in 2024.
The three men entered their federal guilty pleas in October 2026.
Culture Shift
This case reflects a shift in wildlife enforcement where federal authorities increasingly pursue cross-border trafficking networks to protect local populations. The prosecution of these men underscores the ongoing effort to align private hunting practices with state and federal conservation mandates.
Residents in the area should be aware that illegal hunting practices using bait piles violate state conservation laws and carry significant federal penalties. These regulations are designed to protect local bobcat populations from over-harvesting and preserve the integrity of state lands.
The takeaway
Wildlife conservation requires adherence to strict seasonal and method-based hunting regulations to prevent the collapse of protected species. Engaging in illegal trade not only harms the environment but results in serious federal criminal consequences.
Further reading
Learn more about local wildlife management and regulations on the New Hampshire Wildlife page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Cool Down.
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Should federal laws impose stricter penalties on those who illegally traffic protected wildlife?
