Killer of pet honker fined

The death of Wee Wee the pet Canadian goose has not gone unpunished.

A 48-year-old District 10 man, David Gregory Davis, pleaded guilty Wednesday in Yuba County Superior Court to shooting Wee Wee out of season and was fined $1,229 by Judge Julia Scrogin, according to court records.

Wee Wee officially was a wild animal but was also a domesticated pet and virtual member of the Todd Hulsey and Sharri Neel family. The goose was feeding in a neighboring farmer’s rice field near their District 10 home in April when shot.

It was not goose hunting season, and “Please Don’t Shoot the Pet Goose” signs were posted nearby.

A neighbor, Matt Thomas, heard shotgun blasts and found the bird floating in the field.

State Department of Fish & Game Warden Nate Stebbins, who cited Davis, said a fine of $1,000 or more is usually enough to get the attention of violators.

“As the arresting officer, I’m satisfied with the results and hope (the fine) educates Mr. Davis,” Stebbins said Thursday.

Hulsey and Neel could not be reached for comment. Shortly after the shooting incident, Neel said it was important that whoever was responsible be prosecuted.

Wee Wee, rescued as a fuzzy gosling from the Sacramento River, liked to accompany Hulsey and Neel on fishing trips and played with their young children, said Thomas.

“The goose was like a child to him,” Thomas said about Hulsey relationship with the bird.

Appeal-Democrat reporter Rob Young can be reached at 749-4710. You may e-mail him at ryoung@appealdemocrat.com