$10,000 Penalty For Poaching -- N.Mex.

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$10,000 PENALTY ISSUED IN TROPHY DEER POACHING CASE​

HOBBS -- A Hobbs magistrate ordered a man convicted of poaching a trophy mule deer to pay the state $10,000 in civil damages, the maximum penalty under a 3-year-old law that allows the state to seek reimbursement for the loss of a trophy game animal.

Bradley Smith, 26, indicated through his attorney that he will appeal Tuesday's ruling by Hobbs Magistrate Jack Bailey. In March 2007, Smith pleaded no contest to a charge of illegal possession of a deer with 28-inch wide antlers. He was fined $467 by Magistrate Lemma White.

The antlers were scored at 202 3/8 inches according to the Safari Club International system, which qualified the deer as a "trophy" according to standards adopted by the 2006 Legislature and signed into law by Governor Bill Richardson. The law was promoted as a strong deterrent to poachers as the black market for trophy big-game antlers and heads continues to grow.

The maximum $10,000 penalty was the highest ever awarded by a New Mexico judge in a civil case involving trophy big-game poaching.

Smith's January 2007 arrest followed a citizen's report to the Department of Game and Fish Operation Game Thief hotline about a trophy-class mule deer shot out of season. Search warrants served by Department conservation officers, New Mexico State Police, Lea County Sheriff's Office and the Hobbs Police Department led to the seizure of evidence including the 28-inch set of deer antlers.

The Department encourages anyone with information about violations of New Mexico's wildlife laws to call Operation Game Thief toll-free, (800) 432-4263, or to visit www.wildlife.state.nm.us. Reporters can remain anonymous and earn rewards if information leads to charges being filed. The citizen who reported the 2007 poaching near Hobbs declined to accept a reward.

TONY MANDILE
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How To Hunt Coues Deer
 
I personaly feel that they coud give a higher fine then that. I think it would be fine to take his truck if he had used a truck to move the animal and teh gun or bow he took it with.
 
I'm all for prosecuting poachers to the fullest extent of the law but, what in the *&ll is a 202" plus muley doing in that part of the country? Battle Mountain, NV has more going for it than Hobbs, Lovington (sorry Brian #54) or Odessa for that matter. The only thing that country is good for is Power Plants, Oil riggs and Uranium processing! Just kidding though guy's! I spent 2 weeks out there but still didnt look like a place this Utah boy would expect to see a 200" deer or an 90" antelope but they're there! Awesome sunrises and sunsets too!!!

When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on.
Thomas Jefferson
 
I'm all for prosecuting poachers to the fullest extent of the law. I wish all Judges would make examples out of poachers, instead of the usual slap on the wrist that happens to often.

I am glad this poacher got the Max.

THE LORD IS MY ROCK
Colorado, U.S.A
NRA LIFE MEMBER
 

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