A Summersville man has been charged in a November 2025 elk poaching case, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation, in part due to information provided by the community.
The man, who was not named in a news release, is facing four charges in Carter County courts: Taking elk inconsistent with the rules (season and permit) of the “Wildlife Code of Missouri,” taking elk inside a state wildlife refuge, taking elk with the aid of artificial light and wanton waste of the elk. The man is set to appear in court on April 14.
Poaching is taking wildlife outside of season, without the proper permit or in other violation of the Wildlife Code of Missouri.
According to the news release, a Poplar Bluff couple found a mature bull elk shot dead “and left to rot” inside the wildlife refuge at the MDC Peck Ranch Conservation Area on Nov. 26, 2025. Conservation agents responded and began investigating the scene, documenting and storing evidence, and performing a necropsy.
In addition to interviewing potential witnesses, agents received several anonymous calls and Operation Game Thief reports related to the elk’s death. Agents also used surveillance video from a cooperating business and information from search warrants, as well as analytical and firearm tracking-support from the Missouri State Highway Patrol Forensics Lab and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
Brad Hadley, the lead conservation agent on the investigation, said cooperation from community members and OGT hotline tips helped the case progress.
“This speaks to how much people in Missouri value our wildlife and support efforts to conserve and protect it,” Hadley said in the news release. “From the couple driving the elk viewing route in Peck Ranch who first reported it, to all the people who provided tidbits of information, to the local business that gladly shared its pertinent security videos, to the prosecutors and courts that granted the search warrants, and to the MSHP Forensics Lab and the ATF — a tremendous thank you!”
The Operation Game Thief hotline allows people to report poaching and other possible violations of the Wildlife Code of Missouri by calling 800-392-1111. Callers may remain anonymous and may be considered for a reward.
Click the + Icon To See Additional Sharing Options
Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe has announced five appointments to state boards and commissions, including one reappointment.
Rachel Beushausen of Springfield was appointed to the Missouri State Foster Care and Adoption Board.
Beushausen previously served as an organizational and talent development assistant in the human resources department at Missouri State University. She is an advocate for foster care and currently serves as secretary of the Southwest Missouri Foster and Adoptive Parent Advisory Board. She earned an associate degree from Ozarks Technical Community College and later received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Drury University.
Alice Fuerst of Blue Springs was appointed to the State Oil and Gas Council.
Fuerst has taught geology as a part-time instructor at Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City since 1997. She is a member of the Association of Missouri Geologists and serves as secretary and treasurer of the Missouri section of the American Institute of Professional Geologists. Her previous public service includes roles as a member and chairperson of the Blue Springs Solid Waste Management Commission, vice chairperson of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Well Installation Board, and geologist with the Environmental Protection Agency. Fuerst earned a bachelor’s degree in geology from Stephens College and a master’s degree in geology from the University of Missouri.
Jennifer “Beth” Houf of Jefferson City was appointed to the Children’s Trust Fund Board.
Houf serves as principal of Capital City High School in the Jefferson City School District. She is a member of several organizations and boards, including the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals, and Lincoln University’s REGAL Advisory Board. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, a master’s degree in education curriculum and instruction, an educational specialist degree, and a Doctor of Education in educational leadership and policy analysis from the University of Missouri.
Drew Lock of La Plata was appointed to the State Soil and Water Districts Commission.
Lock serves as president of Lock Farms Inc. and manager of Lock Land & Livestock LLC in northeastern Missouri. He is involved in agricultural and community organizations, including the Missouri Farm Bureau Board, where he serves as a member, and the Adair-Schuyler County Farm Bureau, where he serves as president. He is also a member of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association and the La Plata FFA Advisory Board. Lock earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural science from Northwest Missouri State University.
Craig Stevenson of Hallsville was reappointed to the Missouri State Foster Care and Adoption Board.
Stevenson serves as population health strategy manager for Home State Health and previously worked as director of policy and advocacy for Kids Win Missouri. He also serves on the stewardship committee of Centralia United Methodist Church and is president of the Hallsville R-IV School District Board of Education. Stevenson earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in public affairs from the University of Missouri.
Post Views: 1
Click the + Icon To See Additional Sharing Options
Sheriff Jeff Crites with the St. Francois County Sheriff’s Department has launched a community education series, and the Daily Journal is pleased to share it with our readers. This installment informs about Missouri’s “Book and Release” law.
In 2019 Missouri passed legislation that changed how certain arrests are handled. Think you know what it means? Let’s find out!
Be sure to read the full explanation at the end of the quiz.
Question 1:
Under Missouri’s Book and Release law, what happens to individuals arrested for nonviolent offenses like trespassing or shoplifting?
A) They are held in jail until trial
B) They are immediately released without any charges
C) They are booked, given a court date, and released without being held in jail
D) They must post bail before release
Question 2:
Who decides whether someone is released under this law?
A) The arresting officer
B) The local police department
C) The law itself – officers must follow the statute
D) The Mayor
Question 3:
What is the primary goal of the Book and Release policy?
A) Increase jail occupancy
B) Reduce paperwork for police
C) Minimize unnecessary pretrial detention for low-level offenses
D) Eliminate court appearances
Question 4:
True or False: The Book and Release law applies to all criminal offenses in Missouri.
________________________________________
Answers:
1. C – Individuals are processed (fingerprinted, photographed, etc.), given a court date, and released without being jailed.
2. C – Law enforcement does not make discretionary decisions about release; they are required to follow the statute.
3. C – The law aims to reduce strain on jails and avoid holding people unnecessarily for minor infractions.
4. False – It applies only to certain nonviolent, low-level offenses.
________________________________________
Did you get them all right?
Missouri’s Book and Release legislation was enacted as part of broader criminal justice reforms that took effect in 2019. Specifically, the Missouri Supreme Court implemented new rules that changed how arrests and pretrial procedures are handled for certain nonviolent offenses. These rules were designed to reduce pretrial detention and ensure that individuals charged with low-level crimes are not held in jail because they can’t afford bail.
Missouri’s Book and Release law applies to a specific set of nonviolent, low-level offenses, where the goal is to avoid unnecessary pretrial detention for individuals who pose little risk to public safety. While the law doesn’t list every offense by name, here’s a general breakdown of the types of crimes typically covered:
Common Offenses Eligible for Book and Release
• Trespassing
• Shoplifting or petty theft
• Driving with a suspended license
• Disorderly conduct
• Minor drug possession (e.g., small amounts of marijuana)
• Vandalism (low-dollar damage)
• Public intoxication
• Failure to appear (in some cases)
These offenses are usually classified as misdemeanors or ordinance violations, and the law mandates that officers issue a citation and release the individual after booking, rather than holding them in jail.
Offenses Not Covered
The law does not apply to:
• Violent crimes (e.g., assault, robbery, domestic violence)
• Felony-level offenses
• Crimes involving weapons or threats
• Repeat offenses that indicate a flight risk or danger to the public
Law enforcement does not decide who gets released. The statute itself determines eligibility, and officers are required to follow it. This ensures consistent treatment across jurisdictions and removes discretionary bias from the process.
This information is a factual explanation of Missouri law and established criminal‑procedure rules. The details provided reflect statutory requirements and Missouri Supreme Court mandates, not personal opinion or commentary.
Stay safe and take care!
Let local governments in Colorado rule on rent control (Letters)
Popular Hartford Food Hall Decked Out For World Cup
UD’s Blue Hen Forever statue becomes a new campus landmark
Dry days numbered as summer storm chances return to Central Florida
$44 Million Georgia Estate, Held by the Same Family for 130 Years, Could Break Jake Paul’s Record Purchase
Filer quarterback commits to College of Idaho
Maui wildfires settlement poised for first payout – Hawaii Tribune-Herald
Illinois Lottery Pick 3, Pick 4 results for June 7, 2026
