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Iowa DNR: Men illegally harvested channel catfish

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January 31st, 2014 by Ric Hanson

SIDNEY, Iowa (AP) — Five men have been charged with illegally harvesting channel catfish in southwest Iowa. The state Department of Natural Resources says the men were seen on Jan. 19 loading catch onto a truck. Officials say it’s illegal to keep game fish from the Missouri River on a commercial fishing license.

They are each charged with 18 counts of illegal method of take. They each face thousands of dollars in fines. The men are 18-year-old Larkin Achenbach, of Pacific Junction; 57-year-old Lester Achenbach, of Thurman; 54-year-old Leland Achenbach, of Thurman; 50-year-old Frankie “Lyle” Achenbach, of Riverton; and 79-year-old James Achenbach, of Thurman.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission assisted in the investigation. A court date has been scheduled on Feb. 18.