Westbrook Man Admits Illegally Baiting Ducks in Violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and James Casey, Regional Chief, Division of Refuge Law Enforcement, announced that DAVID FOSTER, 51, of Westbrook, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in late September and early October 2020, after receiving an anonymous complaint, the Connecticut Environmental Conservation Police (EnCon) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service personnel investigated the spreading of whole kernel corn around a hunting blind on Menunketesuck Island in Westbrook.  Foster had received a summons for waterfowl baiting/taking violations in the same area in October 2009.  On October 10, 2020, which was the opening day of duck hunting season, officers who had established surveillance near the duck blind observed Foster and two other hunters shoot and retrieve ducks over the area that had been baited.  When they finished, officers conducted a compliance check.  Under questioning, Foster admitted that he had spread corn over the hunting area to attract ducks.

Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for October 28, 2022, at which time Foster faces a maximum term of imprisonment of one year and a fine of up to $100,000.

This matter has been investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Refuge Law Enforcement, and the Connecticut Environmental Conservation Police.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel J. Gentile.