Former Ducks Unlimited official cited, then fired, in swan shooting

RENO -- A former official of the conservation group Ducks Unlimited has been cited, and fired, for illegally shooting a swan in a Nevada game refuge, wildlife officials said.

Alexander "Shay" Byars, formerly the regional director in Nevada and Arizona for Ducks Unlimited, was cited for four misdemeanor violations in connection with the Nov. 29 shooting at Ruby Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, said Rob Buonamici, chief game warden for the Nevada Department of Wildlife.

Byars was fired because of the incident, said Alan Wentz, group manager for Ducks Unlimited.

"Ducks Unlimited takes any game violation seriously, and we encourage the state of Nevada and the Fish and Wildlife Service to fully investigate this incident and take all necessary and appropriate actions against any violator," Wentz said in a news release.

"Mr. Byars was released from employment by Ducks Unlimited as a result of his poor judgment, including his handling of accusations related to this incident."

Bail for the violations is $2,552, and Byars also faces a $2,000 civil assessment.

"From my perspective, this is a serious violation. It's not to be taken lightly," Buonamici told the Reno Gazette-Journal.

Byars, 30, was cited Monday after Nevada wildlife officials traced him to Florida, where he had moved from his former home in the Las Vegas area shortly after the incident, Buonamici said.

According to Buonamici, the Nevada Department of Wildlife was contacted Nov. 29 through its "Operation Game Thief" hot line by someone who said they witnessed Byars shoot a tundra swan at the game refuge near the Ruby Mountains.