Clearfield City v. Hoyer

OPINION

THORNE, Associate Presiding Judge:

T1 Ryan William Hoyer appeals from his conviction of illegally taking protected wildlife in violation of Utah Code section 23-20-83, see Utah Code Ann. § 23-20-38 (2007). We affirm Hoyer's conviction.

BACKGROUND

12 Hoyer is an amateur herpetologist specializing in the study of the species of snake commonly known as the rubber boa. On January 9, 2004, Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) executed a search warrant at Hoyer's home as part of "Operation Slither." Operation Slither was an investigation intended to target individuals who were involved in the…