Game Warden Involved In Wolf Torture Investigation Charged With DUI

One of the game wardens who investigated the capture, torture and killing of a wolf in Sublette County was charged with driving under the influence, according to court records. 

Herbert “Bubba” Haley, 52, of Pinedale, was charged with DUI after he failed a field sobriety test at about 11:30 p.m. on July 7, according to an affidavit written by Sublette County Sheriff’s Sgt. Mike Hueckstaedt and filed in Pinedale Circuit Court.

“It should be noted that Haley is an officer with the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission, and already well known to me,” wrote Hueckstaedt.

Game wardens work for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. The Game and Fish Commission is a body of appointed officials that oversees the department. 

Haley was also cited for not wearing a seatbelt and driving with a brake light out. He posted $750 cash bond on July 9 and is scheduled to appear in court for an arraignment on July 24, according to court records. 

Haley declined to comment when contacted by Cowboy State Daily on Monday. 

Involved In Cody Roberts Case

Haley was one of the game wardens involved in the investigation of Cody Roberts, 42, of Daniel, for allegedly illegally capturing a live wolf, according to a Game and Fish report obtained earlier this year by Cowboy State Daily. 

According to accounts of events on Feb. 28, Roberts ran down a wolf with his snowmobile, injuring and capturing the animal. 

He then took the wolf to his home, at some point taping its muzzle shut with red duct tape. Later, he took it to show off at the Green River Bar in Daniel, before finally killing the wolf outside behind the bar.

The incident sparked outrage across the nation and world and continues to have repercussions. 

In the latest development, U.S. congressmen from Texas and North Carolina plan to introduce a bill to ban using vehicles to run down wildlife on all federal lands. 

Anger Over $250 Penalty

The investigation into Robert’s alleged actions was led by Big Piney District Senior Game Warden Adam Hymas, according to the Game and Fish report. 

The report also mentions “Warden Haley” as an investigator. The Game and Fish warden directory lists Haley as the Pinedale, North District, senior game warden. 

Hymas cited Roberts for illegal possession of a live, warm-blooded animal, for which Roberts forfeited a $250 bond, according to reports. 

That has sparked further outrage, as many people think Roberts should have faced stiffer penalties. 

Failed Field Sobreity Test 

According to Hueckstaedt’s affidavit, he pulled over a gray Ford pickup with a brake light out late on July 7. 

Hueckstaedt spoke with the pickup’s sole occupant, who he identified as Haley. Haley wasn’t wearing a seatbelt and there was an open can of beer in the center console. 

When asked about the beer can, Haley responded that it was his tobacco spit can, according to the affidavit. 

Hueckstaedt reported that he noticed Haley smelled of alcohol and spoke in a slurred manner; his eyes were watery and his movements were slow. Haley claimed to have consumed two beers. 

The affidavit states that Haley couldn’t perform the balance portion of his field sobriety tests, so Hueckstaedt stopped testing him for safety’s sake.

Pickup Towed 

Hueckstaedt took Haley to the Sublette County Detention Center without incident.

“Bubba was issued citations,” the affidavit continues, listing driving while under the influence, driving with an inoperable brake lamp and failing to wear a seatbelt. 

His pickup was towed, according to the affidavit. 

The DUI charge carries a maximum penalty of six months in jail and a $750 fine. There is a $200 maximum fine for having a brake light out, and a $25 fine for not wearing a seat belt. 

Mark Heinz can be reached at mark@cowboystatedaily.com and Clair McFarland can be reached at clair@cowboystatedaily.com.