FWC Officer Marcus Reith and FWC Investigator Joshua Troiano first encountered Pope on the morning of Feb. 28, 2025, in the Log Landing WMA. The area was closed to hunting at the time, with regular turkey season not set to begin until March 15. Upon approaching a parked vehicle at a non-designated access point, officers observed Pope returning from the woods dressed in camouflage and carrying a shotgun and folding chair.
During the contact, Pope admitted he was hunting and believed youth turkey season was open — although he was alone. Officers confirmed youth season had already ended and informed Pope of the closure. A search of his firearm revealed it was loaded with 12-gauge turkey loads and fitted with a choke specifically designed for turkey hunting.
Further investigation led by FWC K9 Officer Scott Wiggins uncovered cracked corn bait — commonly used to attract turkeys — placed within 49 yards of a spot that showed recent hunter activity, including fresh chair leg imprints. Florida law prohibits hunting wild turkeys within 100 yards of bait and prohibits hunting on any WMA where bait has been deposited.
Pope was cited on Mar. 11 for violating several Florida Administrative Codes and state statutes, including:
He was also issued a warning for entering the WMA through a non-designated access point. Pope's firearm and ammunition were seized as evidence and secured at the FWC Evidence Storage Facility in Lake City. The case has been referred to the Dixie County State Attorney’s Office for prosecution and is currently ongoing.
For more information on Florida’s hunting seasons, regulations and WMA rules, visit www.MyFWC.com.
Note: all suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.