Feds target 60 hunters in Kansas hunting probe

[Old Fart]

Feds target 60 hunters in Kansas hunting probe


WICHITA, Kan. (AP)—The Justice Department is targeting more than 60 hunters across the nation for allegedly poaching deer during guided hunts at Camp Lone Star in Kansas, a court document shows.

The scope of the grand jury investigation, believed to be one of the largest criminal prosecutions involving the illegal taking of deer, was made public in a court filing Monday in the federal government’s case against the camp’s owner and his brother, both of Martinsville, Texas.

James Bobby Butler Jr., 41, the owner and operator of the hunting club in Coldwater, Kan., and his brother Marlin Jackson Butler, 36, who worked as a guide, are charged with conspiracy and the unlawful sale and transport of wildlife. James Butler is also charged with obstruction of justice in the 23-count indictment filed May 25 in U.S. District Court in Wichita.

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If convicted and given maximum sentences, they could face lengthy prison terms. Jim Cross, spokesman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Kansas, said in an e-mail that it was the biggest case of its kind prosecuted in the state.

For complete article :

http://sports.yahoo.com/top/news?slug=ap-hunting-kansas

[dukkillr]

Fantastic news. 

[Tommyt]

The government alleges the brothers charged out-of-state hunters $3,500 per hunt with archery equipment and $5,000 per hunt with a firearm for guided hunts at Camp Lone Star and some 50,000 nearby acres leased for hunting activities.
Prosecutors allege that during the guided hunts the Butlers and others encouraged hunters to take deer illegally by hunting without a valid license. They’re also accused of letting hunters illegally spotlight deer during night hunts and use illegal equipment, such as firearms during archery season.

The illegal hunting practices allowed the guided hunters to kill more deer than they could have killed lawfully, the lawsuit charges, allowing the Butler brothers to collect more guiding fees and tips.

The obstruction of justice counts involve allegations that James Butler lied to a fish and wildlife agent, told an employee to remove and destroy deer head mounts so they could not used as evidence, and instructed an employee to lie to investigators.

The obstruction of justice charge carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, while the other felony charges carry a maximum five-year prison term and $250,000 fine. The government is also seeking a $148,250 forfeiture against both men

[Tommyt]

 I can't edit that post seems the Pop-up's and my PC aren't getting along  

But what I was trying to add was

Kansas is a popular destination, drawing an estimated 88,000 out-of-state hunters each year

Thats a Lot of hunters also these two guys got 60 to pay between 3500 and 5000 plus tip
thats a hundred or so  thousand dollars in one season
WHY CHEAT  
Then if your on a Hunt and the Guide says Lets Try your Spotlighting Skills tonight and you agree
JAIL should be the only Out come

I bet some lawyer gets the Clients Off with a comment How would He Know when the Guide Showed him the way

[powderman]

I bet some lawyer gets the Clients Off with a comment How would He Know when the Guide Showed him the way



YEP, wasn't my fault, the guide forced me to pull the trigger. I first thought this might be a privately owned preserve but now understand they were simply a guiding service. They darned sure knew better. It would be interesting to hear how the guides justified the hunting out of season to the hunters, I find it hard to believe that they thought they were above the law. POWDERMAN. 

[Pat/Rick]

poachers. 

[wreckhog]

The more you pay, the more you are above the law. You believe that you have the magic bullet, and what applies to those guys, is not what applies to you because you are special. I just put in a pool, and I could believe how many people told me, just do this, just do that, no one cares, it's fine, I'll take care of it if there is a problem. Keep in mind, I said, I'll pay, I'll take the time, I just want it done right and legal and I don't want to be embarassed later.

[Hooker]

Sounds like the state of Kansas needs to police guides better and the feds need to mind their own business.

Pat

[guzzijohn]

I am a life long Kansan. As with most states our Fish & Game department is underfunded and understaffed. I do feel they do a great job with the resources they have. Poacher busts are a regular event and most of the time the perps loose everything they were using when busted (coming up this month is an auction that includes firearms, vehicles, etc. with the proceeds going back to Fish & Game). Large fines are given and jail time is frequent. Most land owners have little sympathy for poachers and trespassers and are quick to involve law enforcement. In this case I think the feds have to be involved due to many of the violators being out of state. I think all involved will live to regret their little "hunt".
GuzziJohn

[beerbelly]

I am all for getting the poachers, BUT I am against confiscation of peoples property! It leads to corruption! Fine them, jail them , leave their property alone.
                                        Beerbelly

[Junior1942]

I am all for getting the poachers, BUT I am against confiscation of peoples property! It leads to corruption! Fine them, jail them , leave their property alone.
                                        Beerbelly

They probably lose their trucks, for example, but they get to keep the notes.  All involved in this mess have caused a black mark against all hunters.  We'll all be portrayed as outlaws.  The news media won't say, "Outlaw hunters did this."  They'll say, "Hunters did this."

[Land_Owner]

I am a life long Kansan.

For a second there, I thought this said you were a lifelong Klansman...my bad!  I did a double take.

[1marty]

These guys-if convicted-are poachers, not hunters. I agree it gives other hunters who obey the laws a bad name.

[guzzijohn]

Quote from Land_Owner:

For a second there, I thought this said you were a lifelong Klansman...my bad!  I did a double take.

Those of you that have read many of my posts would probably figure out that I would not make a very good klansman!!! Land_Owner, you better have that second cup of coffee to open your eyes a bit further.
GuzziJohn