Illegal hunt lands men in hot water

DENALI — Four men, one of whom is from Wasilla, were charged in federal court this week with shooting moose illegally inside Denali National Park.

James C. Riggs, 58, of Wasilla, was also charged in federal court with possessing an unlicensed silencer.

According to federal prosecutors, Riggs and three other men — Charlie W. Hart, 55, of Anchorage, Deric C. Hart, 33, of Anchorage, and Michael C. Barth, 29, of Anchorage — were hunting in the park from Sept. 3-7, killing two bull moose illegally on park property.

Each was charged with violating the Lacey Act and one count each of unlawful taking and unlawful possession of wildlife in a national park.

Riggs’ silencer was found during a search of his home in conjunction with the case.