What started as a high-stakes duck hunting trip has ended in a serious legal mess for one Washington-based guide.
Branden Trager, the owner of Mayhem Services LLC in Brush Prairie, has pleaded guilty in federal court for violating U.S. wildlife laws during two separate hunting seasons—one in Canada and another back home in Washington.
A Guide Who Crossed the Line
During a January 2023 trip in western Washington, Trager admitted he broke the Migratory Bird Treaty Act—a law that protects migratory birds across North America.
Not only that, he also confessed to transporting illegally hunted birds in violation of the Lacey Act, a law designed to stop wildlife trafficking across state and international borders.
That wasn’t his only run-in with the law. In 2022, Trager led a group of hunters into British Columbia, Canada, to target the harlequin duck—an elusive and highly prized trophy for waterfowl hunters.
The problem? Canadian law didn’t permit him to act as a professional guide there.
The Harlequin Duck and the Trophy Hunting Circuit
For those unfamiliar, the harlequin duck—with its striking black, white, and chestnut plumage—is a favorite among serious bird hunters.
Native to coastal areas from Alaska down to California, it’s considered a rare gem in the waterfowl world and part of the “North American 41” species challenge.
But here’s the catch: Washington state had shut down harlequin hunting entirely during the 2022-2023 season due to conservation concerns.
Meanwhile, British Columbia had only limited hunting still allowed.
Despite this, Trager led clients across the border, skirting legal restrictions on both sides.
Facing the Music: Fines and Public Apology
As part of the plea deal, Trager is staring down a $100,000 fine, and his company, Mayhem Services, will likely pay another $75,000.
On top of that, the agreement includes a public statement where both Trager and the company must acknowledge their wrongdoing and reinforce the importance of respecting hunting laws and wildlife conservation.
His sentencing is scheduled for October 16.
What the Law Actually Says
To put things into perspective, here’s what the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) bans: using motor vehicles to hunt or drive birds, going over daily bag limits, not retrieving wounded birds, and transporting birds taken by someone else without proper tags.
“Taking” birds includes everything from shooting and trapping to just attempting to hunt them.
The Lacey Act, which has been around for over a century, makes it illegal to move any wildlife that was taken in violation of another law—whether that law is federal, state, tribal, or international.
The Bigger Picture: International Effort Behind the Investigation
This wasn’t just a local case. The investigation involved the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and authorities from both Washington State and British Columbia.
The level of coordination highlights just how seriously governments take wildlife protection across borders.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division made the announcement, with Senior Trial Attorney Ryan Connors and Trial Attorney Sarah Brown handling the prosecution.
What Happens Next?
Now that Trager has pleaded guilty, the focus turns to the upcoming sentencing hearing.
The court will decide whether to accept the plea recommendations, which include both financial penalties and a public statement of remorse.
For now, this case stands as a cautionary tale for other guides and hunters who might consider pushing the legal limits.