A southern Illinois Federal Court sentenced five Mississippi men in July after they admitted to using spotlights to poach whitetail deer in Massac, Jefferson, Union, Pope and Clark counties in Illinois. Between 2018 and 2022, the poachers would use spotlights to scout whitetail deer. Once one was located, members of the group shot it, retrieved the carcass and transported the animal over state lines from Illinois back to Mississippi. There they would process the meat and mount the deer’s head, antlers or other parts of its body.
“This was not an isolated incident of unlawful hunting; rather, it was a calculated, multi-year operation that exploited Illinois's prized wildlife resources for personal gain,” said Douglas Ault, assistant director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement. “Targeting trophy deer under the cover of night, across multiple counties, and transporting them across state lines reflects a deliberate disregard for wildlife laws and the ecological balance we work tirelessly to protect. Such organized violations undermine decades of conservation progress and diminish the integrity of fair-chase hunting traditions that responsible hunters value nationwide."
Of the five poachers, the heaviest ruling was made on Lee J. Johnson, 54, of Saucier, Miss., after he pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful transport of wildlife in violation of the Lacey Act. He was sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to pay $75,000 in restitution and a $10,000 fine.
John M. Pritchard, 57, of Biloxi, Miss., pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful transport of wildlife in violation of the Lacey Act and was sentenced to five years of probation. He was also and ordered to pay $10,000 in restitution and a $5,000 fine.
Joshua A. Marshall, 30, of Saucier, Miss., who pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful transport of wildlife in violation of the Lacey Act, was sentenced to probation for three years and payment of $7,500 in restitution and a $2,500 fine.
Gerald B. Moran, 40, of Saucier, Miss., pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful transport of wildlife in violation of the Lacey Act and was sentenced to five years’ probation and ordered to pay $5,000 in restitution and a $2,500 fine.
Steven J. Pique, 56, of Biloxi, Miss., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act and was sentenced to five years’ probation and ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution.
“This case sends a clear message: wildlife laws are not only about species protection, but they also uphold the principles of fair chase and ethical hunting. The Illinois Conservation Police, in partnership with our dedicated federal agencies, consistently demonstrate professionalism and commitment to enforcing these laws,” said Jed Whitchurch, director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Office of Law Enforcement. “The complexity and scale of this case required multiagency coordination, and thanks to that teamwork, we’ve reinforced the stewardship values that define responsible hunting and the importance of natural resources law enforcement.”
The defendants’ fines will go to the Lacey Act Reward Account through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and restitution will go to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
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