NRP Arrests Man for Multiple Poaching Violations

Cumberland, Maryland -The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) arrested Dennis George Bittinger, 54 of Cumberland, Md. on February 4, on an arrest warrant that stemmed from a three month investigation surrounding the illegal killing and possessing of Maryland's wildlife and fisheries resources. The investigation resulted in a search warrant being issued on Bittinger's residence and hunting property on December 23, 2009.

Bittinger was charged with;
1. Seven counts of false entry into a public record; Maximum penalty is 3 years imprisonment and/or $1,000 on each count.
2. One count of contributing to the condition of a child; maximum penalty is 3 years and/ or $2,500.
3. Five counts of exceeding the Region A white-tail deer bag limits; maximum penalty is $1,500 on each count.
4. Four counts of hunting without a license: maximum penalty is $1,500 on each count.
5. Two counts of hunting without a bow and arrow stamp; maximum penalty is $1,500 on each count.
6. One count of possessing of turkey closed season; maximum penalty is $1,500 on each count.
7. One count of exceeding the trout possession limit by 40 fish; maximum penalty is $1,000 on each count.

Bittinger was released on his own personal recognizance by the District Court commissioner in Allegany County. A court date has not been set.
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Media Contact: Sgt. A.A. Windemuth (410) 260-8003 (410) 713-8449 (cell) or awindemuth@dnr.state.md.us


The Maryland Natural Resources Police is the enforcement arm of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). With an authorized strength of 247 officers and a dedicated staff of civilian and volunteer personnel, the NRP provide a variety of services in addition to conservation and boating law enforcement duties throughout the State of Maryland. These services include homeland security, search and rescue, emergency medical services, education, information and communications services on a round the clock basis. NRP is the only police force aside from the Maryland State Police that has statewide jurisdiction.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages nearly one-half million acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov