New Wildlife Commission member has trapping violations in his past

Friday, Jan. 28, 2000 | 9:46 a.m.

Quilici, who works in construction in Lovelock, was named in November as the sportsmen's representative on the commission, replacing Merv Matorian.

Quilici was cited seven times by a game warden in 1982. He was found guilty of five misdemeanor violations and ordered to pay $100 apiece in fines.

Four of the violations involved leaving trap bait exposed, which is prohibited primarily to prevent eagles and other protected raptors from seeing the bait and becoming trapped. The fifth was for not visiting and checking his trap line in the American Canyon area of Pershing County.

Guinn's chief of staff, Scott Scherer, said that before Quilici got his appointment the governor's office was told Quilici had "one relatively minor violation" in his past.

"These are 17 or 18 years old and, unless they're significantly more serious than was represented to me, I don't expect the governor will want to take any action on it," said Scherer.

Scherer said Quilici was recommended by several sportsmen's groups and got a favorable recommendation from at least one local wildlife advisory board.

Scherer also said he wasn't aware that Quilici was later denied a license as a master hunting guide. He said he was asking for a more complete report.

Wildlife officials confirmed there have been other allegations of violations made against Quilici since the trapping citations, but none of those claims resulted in any charges or citations. They refused to release any details.