As summer approaches, many people in Arkansas plan to visit the state’s lakes and rivers. However, a recent case highlights the importance of adhering to federal laws governing public lands and waters. Four Arkansans have pleaded guilty to illegal activities involving paddlefish.
In March 2025, Matthew “Cole” Harken, Andrew Jennings, Dakota Wilson, and Steven Lawrence admitted guilt to multiple federal violations related to the illegal snagging of paddlefish from the Little Red River in the Bald Knob National Wildlife Refuge. This investigation was led by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service over three years.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Joe J. Volpe sentenced the individuals for their actions concerning 29 paddlefish taken illegally over approximately three years. The penalties include fines and restitution amounting to $14,190.
The investigation found that these men were collecting paddlefish eggs, known as roe. Paddlefish are migratory fish that travel long distances annually to spawn and are prehistoric creatures with slow growth rates. A 40-pound paddlefish can be up to 50 years old. These fish feed on plankton and cannot be caught using conventional fishing methods; they must be snagged or netted instead.
Patrol Captain Brandon Bland praised the officers involved in this successful investigation: “We are extremely proud of the Officers of United States Fish and Wildlife Service Division of Refuge Law Enforcement and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission whose devotion to the protection of our natural resources made this investigation successful.”
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Division of Refuge Law Enforcement conducted this investigation with assistance from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Assistant United States Attorney Katie Hinojosa prosecuted the case.
This serves as a reminder for everyone enjoying Arkansas’s natural beauty: respect laws, protect the environment, and consider others while engaging in outdoor activities.
