In yet another, albeit much different, case of wildlife cruelty, some absolute degenerate(s) out on Lake of the Ozarks decided the local paddlefish population needed a little self-expression. After hauling in a couple of these prehistoric-looking monsters, someone carved “Fuck U!” into the side of one like it was a bathroom stall, and turned another’s snout into a jagged sawblade. Then, in what we can only assume to be a touching display of mercy, they tossed the mutilated fish back into the water to suffer and slowly die.
Unfortunately for those that committed the bizarre acts, the fish were later recovered by some Missouri fishing guides. Taking to social media, they’ve since publicized the despicable acts and have raised a healthy reward they hope will help find those responsible.
The mutilated paddle of one of the fish
Austin McClure of McClure’s Guide Service, a well-known local fishing guide specializing in crappie, catfish, and paddlefish (spoonbill) on lakes including Truman and the Ozarks, broke the story on Facebook with graphic photos and an urgent call for information. McClure and other area guides quickly banded together, offering a cash reward for tips leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
The reward kicked off at $5,700 and has quickly climbed north of $10,000 thanks to donations from outraged anglers and guides. McClure has stated that the fund continues to grow, calling it “a payday for whoever can figure it out.”
Other guides, including Jason Smith of Smith’s Fishing Adventures and Jim Lynch of All Out Guide Service, have joined the effort, reminding the public that these types of acts damage the reputation of the entire fishery and the paddlefishing community, regardless of anyone’s personal stance on the sport.
The Missouri Department of Conservation has also recently entered the chat and is actively investigating the incidents that now includes up to three mutilated fish.
A message for MDC, apparently.
Paddlefish, often called “spoonbill” in Missouri, are ancient, filter-feeding fish with a distinctive paddle-shaped snout. Missouri stocks tens of thousands of fingerlings annually into lakes like the Ozarks because dams have largely eliminated natural reproduction. The state’s paddlefish snagging season runs from mid-March through late April and is popular but sometimes controversial due to the harvest of these unique fish.
“This has to stop,” McClure said on Facebook, “and someone needs to be held accountable… No matter your stance on paddlefish.”
Anyone with details about the incidents is encouraged to reach out to local guides or the Operation Game Thief hotline at (800) 392-1111.
