Hyde Park poachers Plead guilty

H

huntin50

Very Active Member
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LAST EDITED ON Jan-26-15 AT 04:02PM (MST)[p]LAST EDITED ON Jan-26-15 AT 03:28?PM (MST)

LAST EDITED ON Jan-26-15 AT 03:07?PM (MST)

LAST EDITED ON Jan-26-15 AT 03:02?PM (MST)

36-year-old Garland resident Shelby D. Rhodes and 28-year-old Logan resident Steven Spillett BOTH pleaded guilty to Wanton destruction of protected wildlife Class A misdemeanor, and Interfering with a public servant a Class B Misdemeanor.
They admitted to shooting the buck with a 22 caliber. They POACHED the buck near the canal in the dark on Wednesday Oct 30th 2013. According to Logan airport temperatures Monday Oct 28th, the day after the hunt through Friday Nov 1st the only time that week where there were temperatures cold enough to make frost was approximately 1 AM until sun light on Oct 30th, the day the buck came up missing. NEW truck tire tracks were found in the same hay field that field Oct 30th. The tire tracks cannot be disputed when they were made, because of eye witness accounts, temperatures, and picture evidence. There were at least 11 witnesses were willing to testify and wrote statements. They saw the monster buck in that area. Including a current police officer, and retired police officer and current taxidermist, and three sportsmen saw the buck on Tuesday Oct 29th which was two days after the hunt, in the very field that the new truck tracks were made on the 30th.
Why was a 22 caliber gun used to shoot the buck in the field? Because the field was only 200 yards or so from homes.
There was a confession from a friend involved, and eventually Steven Spillet according to the statement in court today.
Both Rhodes and Spillett lied to DWR officers about the case on at least two different occasions. That is why they the received charges of interfering with a public servant.
There is a lot of physical evidence, the buck?s hair was found between the tire tracks in the field DNA evidence, where they loaded the buck. Tire tracks from the frost and imprinted in mud. Testimony of many witnesses, many who didn't know each other, but still saw the buck in the same area at the same time. Picture evidence of pictures of the buck on Monster muley website contradict the poachers and friends statements. Taxidermist statements. Etc. etc.

Wildlife Resources Code of Utah
Enforcement - Violations and Penalties
Wanton destruction of protected wildlife -- Penalties.
Title 23

Chapter 20

Section 4

23-20-4. Wanton destruction of protected wildlife -- Penalties.
(1) A person is guilty of wanton destruction of protected wildlife if that person:
(a) commits an act in violation of Section 23-13-4, 23-13-5, 23-13-13, 23-15-6 through 23-15-9, 23-16-5, or Subsection 23-20-3(1);
(b) captures, injures, or destroys protected wildlife; and
(c) (i) does so with intentional, knowing, or reckless conduct as defined in Section 76-2-103;
(ii) intentionally abandons protected wildlife or a carcass;
(iii) commits the offense at night with the use of a weapon;
(iv) is under a court or division revocation of a license, tag, permit, or certificate of registration; or
(v) acts for pecuniary gain.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to actions taken in accordance with:
(a) Title 4, Chapter 14, Utah Pesticide Control Act;
(b) Title 4, Chapter 23, Agricultural and Wildlife Damage Prevention Act; or
(c) Section 23-16-3.1.
(3) Wanton destruction of wildlife is punishable:
(a) as a third degree felony if:
(i) the aggregate value of the protected wildlife determined by the values in Subsection (4) is more than $500; or
(ii) a trophy animal was captured, injured, or destroyed;
(b) as a class A misdemeanor if the aggregate value of the protected wildlife, determined by the values established in Subsection (4) is more than $250, but does not exceed $500; and
Does this look like a ?trophy? mule deer buck?

3492hyde_park_buck.jpg



This is a picture of Shelby Rhodes that was leaked on the internet, taken Nov 1st, 6 days after the hunt.

Poaching a trophy animal is a 3rd degree felony. The poaching was pleaded down to a Class A Misdemeanor. I understand that the DWR officer recommended a 3rd degree Felonies.
Because the wheels of justice can turn slowly AND Shelby Rhodes and Steven Spillett lied to the DWR officers, Shelby was able to draw an Elk tag for Pilot Mountain and he shot a 380 class big bull elk during the investigation. Did Shelby get rewarded for lying? Sportsmen recommend extra years of license revocation to reflect this injustice.
Six sportsmen and I were talking with a retired DWR conservation officer in the Court lobby after Rhodes and Spillett pleaded guilty to the lesser charges. Rhodes and Spillett were laughing as they departed the building. I don't know if someone told a joke, or they were laughing at the justice system this time being a joke? The retired DWR officer said you can write an email to the big game board, or director and that may help determine how long they lose their hunting privileges. I can guarantee you the sportsmen and residents of Hyde Park aren't laughing. Many think they should not be able to hunt again. The retired officer thought they might lose their hunting privileges for 3-5 years. What do you think is fair?
I'm not privy to all the facts, but I know quite a bit from passing sportsmen info onto the DWR so they could conduct interviews, and investigate.

Steven Spillett was found GUILTY 8-28-06, Violation: TAKING PROTECTED WILDLIFE WHILE TRESSPASSING. A repeat offender. That is public information.

Please email the big game board, and DWR director and voice what you think. Sentencing is March 2nd at 9 AM.
I would like to thank all those who worked on this case to try to reach a fair punishment for the crimes committed.
Thanks,
Greg Blotter
 
Needs to be at least a 10 year ban on all hunting in the cooperating states. 3-5 years is just your standard wait after hunting LE!!


2a0fcsk.gif
 
I was told today they most likely will get a $500 fine. And not lose any hunting privileges

Pathetic.

I for one will email whoever I need to. Total bullsh!t.
 
To me that's a once in a lifetime buck. I think loosing their hunting privileges for life might be appropriate. We need some tougher laws on poaching for sure. That buck would cost any of us at least 6- 10 K on a bought tag. Why aren't the fines that much!
 
LAST EDITED ON Jan-26-15 AT 05:48PM (MST)[p]>I was told today they most
>likely will get a $500
>fine. And not lose any
>hunting privileges
>
>Pathetic.
>
>I for one will email whoever
>I need to. Total bullsh!t.
>


That's it? That will sure teach them.
 
LAST EDITED ON Jan-26-15 AT 05:51PM (MST)[p]Let's See?

A 500,000.00 Fine Each!

Confiscation of every F'N Vehicle Each of them own!

Confiscation of every F'N Weapon,Bow,SmokePole,Rifle & 22's each of them own!

Banned from ever Hunting again in their Low Life's for Life in Every State & Country on the Planet Earth!

All Their Equipment gets Destroyed(Not Sold!)cut up with Big Chop Saws,Grind their Vehicles/Guns/Wheelers in to Scrap Metal & have the UDWR make a Commercial of it & Advertise it & show what happens when you Poach & Lie!

Cut both the Lying Trigger Mans Hands off at the F'N Wrist!

***EDIT: Then let's see how F'N Hard they're Laughing on the way out!





[font color="redhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMsueOnu0kY
 
Bess,
You need to talk with the judge. Your punishment was more like us Cache sportsmen were thinking. LOL
 
I wish that that buck was a once in a lifetime buck. But it is more like once in a thousand lifetimes. What a shame!!!! I guess they are not innocent any more.

DZ
 
I agree with dz, that is far more than a "once in a lifetime" buck. I don't understand why they were allowed to plea deal down to a misdemeanor? I will call or email whoever I need to. Let me know how I can help. This is totally ridiculous.
 
I'll be the first to admit I wanted to see the evidence before hanging anyone. Now that the evidence has come out I will without question tip my hat to those doing the investigation and those that helped. Solid work and wish the penalty was greater.
 
Im glad they shot it, I was sick of pictures being posted of it. Get out of your trucks, go hike, and find deer. I live 20 min from hyde park. I never went to see the buck once. Ive shot two bucks in the last three years on diy general hunts 192 and 209 in. I Never posted one pic of either of them on here because of the drama. The biggest problem here is that on the cache range you have to hike glass hard to find a good buck. I have done it twice in three years by the number of posts, some of you guys have to leave the computer and look for deer or dont #####.
 
Not Sure they got out of their Truck before they shot it?

Long Hike I'm sure!

And they found a Buck!

>Im glad they shot it, I
>was sick of pictures being
> posted of it. Get
>out of your trucks, go
>hike, and find deer. I
>live 20 min from hyde
>park. I never went to
>see the buck once. Ive
>shot two bucks in the
>last three years on diy
>general hunts 192 and 209
>in. I Never posted one
>pic of either of them
>on here because of the
>drama. The biggest problem
>here is that on the
>cache range you have to
>hike glass hard to find
>a good buck. I have
>done it twice in three
>years by the number of
>posts, some of you guys
>have to leave the computer
>and look for deer or
>dont #####.










[font color="redhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMsueOnu0kY
 
So they shot a firearm in a neighbor hood at dark and poached a trophy buck out of season and they didn't get a flipping felony!!! Wtf! A freakin misdemeanor for that! Geez
 
coming from a spineless poster. First post and you post a stupid comment like that. I hope they get a hell of a lot more then they think. Spineless cowards!

O--one
B--big
A--ass
M--mistake
A--america
 
yep stupid comment 3084 posts if you left your computer once in a while maybe you would know that 4 big bucks got poached two winters ago on the cache range. I was watching threw my spotter on my friend trying to kill one of them the last day of the hunt. That buck was one of them poached, never heard nothing of them you would of not seen them not on your way to work.
 
Colin, dude. What's up with the anger?

Yeah you killed a bomber buck a couple years ago. I've hunted that same area, you definitely earned him. Got pretty lucky too from the story I heard. As the story goes with most big bucks, a lot of luck is involved.

Having said that, this particular story has nothing to do with it. These guys blatantly killed a trophy buck in city limits, after the hunt, at night. You cannot get a better description of poaching. For them to get off as easy as they are, is a flat out travesty.

Yes there were 4 bucks poached a couple years ago, also the SV buck was poached, (that was a slammer of a deer, more impressive than the hyde park buck IMO), which makes the light sentence on this particular case so disturbing. If they can get away with poaching this deer and only pay $500, what would stop anyone from poaching?

That is the issue here, not that everyone loved seeing this buck from their trucks as they drove home.
 
Just let me know who to email! I will gladly step up as a nonresident and provide my input as a state who will not allow them to hunt either!

On the flip side Utah needs to get its ##### together! From the sounds of this, it would be cheaper and easier to go poach a buck in Utah than it is to play the points game and draw a tag! A person could get away with a couple big bucks and when caught use this case as an example to plea it down!

It is sad! In Colorado we have the Sampson law! Look it up, it basically states that any trophy animal poached automatically carries a big fine! I
 
If the rumored punishment comes true, then Utah needs to start taking lessons from Wyoming.
 
That is where I think your wrong the hyde park buck was problably gonna get hit by car eventually. Did anybody see the sv buck the year he got poached Im with you smitty I seen him I shoot him over this buck! Thats crazy I know your all saying, The main frame was unreal. Who got in trouble for killing this buck that was hard as heck to get on until the snow pushed him down no one!!! The guy that killed the hyde park buck got punished in a way you guys wont see on court docs. That is not by the fish and game the reason this buck got shot is because they knew if they got caught it was not going to be that bad, and it wasnt. until its life changing to poach you are going to have this happen. I would not put these two under the coals for this but after all the poaching that has happened why is the penalty not worse.
 
Boneranch,

Your logic on this is rediculous. "He would have been hit by a car anyway..."? What the hell does that have to do with making what the two guys did any less wrong. It sounds like you're quite the hunter, congrats on two big deer. I've had a little success myself the last few years but that still doesn't change the fact I enjoyed watching a 240" buck on a daily basis(and yes, I took quite a few pictures as well). He lived in my neighborhood and it was awesome as heck to see a buck that big on a consistant basis. But your right, he would have died eventually anyways so screw it.
 
So lets get this straight. A bunch of guys a hundred years ago set up a new wildlife system so that people are no longer persecuted for killing the "king's deer". Time goes buy and suddenly the people actually want the deer poachers to be treated as if they killed the "king's deer". Make up your minds.

Gentlemen,
Your zeal for poachers removes any righteousness from the wildlife system you praise. We have not changed anything except who thinks they are "kings".
 
Tri I know you are never wrong so I am pretty sure the internets might be wrong this time - but wildlife management was not started here in the colonies until 1831 with the Game act of 1831 to protect birds. Rhode Island first started limiting deer in 1839. The "King" had no protection what so ever put on deer in utah to say so is silly.

1831 is well after we separated from the king so the laws were not made in any way to protect the "kings deer" rather due to most folks understood people were over harvesting and the need was there to protect the resource.

Then the same happened out west was folks put the in place laws to govern not the kings deer in any way shape or form. Hell most guys out west then pry did not know who the sitting king was lol! Rather these laws were to protect the resource as it was needed.

I think most of us want poachers to be treated like they stole a resource from all of us and see no connection what so ever to the "kings deer" because well there is no connection.

Hopefully these 2 will be justly punished for stealing a extremely limited resource from not only hunters but everyone who enjoyed the buck. If many of you folks keep twisting or finding any way they can to justify poachers/poaching well it is what it is and more bucks will be poached caus of it..
 
Kayak,

go back and read. You missed my point entirely. Read these forums. Read the B&C propaganda. Talk to pretty much anyone involved in wildlife management or wildlife law enforcement. If you don't think the "king's deer" played a major role in the design of the nacm you are smoking some powerful stuff.
 
Poaching is okay. Tri-state is smarter than everyone. Even when he is wrong, he's right.

Can we all just move on now? There is no reason to engage him in a discussion. Just let him argue your points for you, and then try to refute your arguments he gave you. It is quite entertaining.

Go ahead, Tri. Get this one to 100 posts by lunch!
 
Wouldn't it be justified to enact automatic penalties with no plea agreements? Let's just say an automatic $100 per gross point score on any buck for example. Not just one that scores over 150. Let's see......That calculates to a $24,000 fine. Poaching continues to rise and it's more likely related to the hand slapping fines today. Automatic felony would take care of the hunting privleges on its own. In this case, blatent poaching is clear. "Mistakes" made during the season would no doubt be reduced as well. Each case is different but this would tie the hands of a liberal judge with no alternative but to follow the law as written. I'm probably wrong as usual but just adding fuel to the fire.
 
A hardy thanks to all who worked within the system and gathered the evidence for this conviction! Well done!

Eel

It's written in the good Book that we'll never be asked to take more than we can. Sounds like a good plan, so bring it on!
 
http://news.hjnews.com/allaccess/de...cle_0479cec4-a5f4-11e4-bd17-a3aa4243c7ce.html

Here is the link to the article in the Hearld Journal. The Prosecuting attorney says they are facing up to 18 months in jail and up 8000.00 in fines and loss of Hunting Privileges.

I was also at the court to see the punishment handed out. I was disappointed when they were not sentenced then and there. They are to meet with some kind of probation deal this next month and then they will recommend the penalties, along with the division and the prosecuting attorney's. I think it will be helpful to email the cache county attorney's office, the Judge himself, the wildlife board, and anyone else who might have any clout with any of those people.

Thanks Greg for all your time and effort you put into keeping this investigation going. And thanks to everyone else that came forth with information that helped assist in the investigation. The sentencing will be handed out to the The 2 on March 2nd at 9 am. Hope to see you all there!!!
 
Vanilla,

Don't you have some jaywalkers to pin felonies on or something?

Newguy,

I am very glad you asked the question. Just like every single person on this thread I DON'T HAVE A CLUE WHAT THESE GUYS DESERVE for poaching the deer. That's what JUDGES are for. We pay them to look at the entire case, not just some internet gossip, and then hope they make the best decision for the courts.

I can tell you this. Unlike most here I DON'T WANT Vengeance. I want justice, and a lot of people on this thread have forgotten what that is. Whatever the judge decides here I can live with peacefully.
 
LAST EDITED ON Jan-27-15 AT 11:54AM (MST)[p]Ohhh newguy...

Hilarious.

Tristate - WE are the "kings" now. Poaching is a crime against the public.

These threads are tiresome. It is like a bunch of drunk guys at a bar arguing about why they think the waitress is hot. Each guy is more right than the other about the same thing.

That's what's ridiculous.

HOOK 'EM!
_______________________________________

Since I am frequently asked about my religion on this site and others, I have created a profile that explains my beliefs. If you are interested in finding out more about my faith, please visit the link below:

http://mormon.org/me/6RNQ/
 
Why they should be severely penalized: Vengeance is OK, as far as it gets you. Justice is better, it impacts us all. Precedent is what I'm really hoping for, something so harsh and blunt that young, entitled idiots and hardcore poachers-for-profit get deterred from poaching. Something that makes these 2 go, "What? No F-ing way! I'm screwed!" And best of all, "it's not fair." Love to hear that from them @ sentencing.
 
I don't know why the self centered behavior of men over antlers still amazes me.

Whether its the guy who poaches them or the hyenas that think their happiness rests on his misery, its all the same level behavior.

I have said it from day one on this website, very few of you care about the deer, yall just want to argue over who is going to kill the last one.
 
I want yall to think about one more thing. If everything many of you say is correct then this deer wasn't worth a single red cent. According to many here the deer never ever left city limits. So there is absolutely no way the deer was ever going to be legally killed. That makes the deer worthless. Yall are all in a tissy over the most worthless big deer in Utah.
 
>I want yall to think about
>one more thing. If
>everything many of you say
>is correct then this deer
>wasn't worth a single red
>cent. According to many
>here the deer never ever
>left city limits. So
>there is absolutely no way
>the deer was ever going
>to be legally killed.
>That makes the deer worthless.
> Yall are all in
>a tissy over the most
>worthless big deer in Utah.
>

I almost agree with Tri. The deer has value for viewing pleasure only but has no value to a deer hunter. A DWR officer told me "a city deer is a dead deer" since they'll get killed by a car eventually.

With that said, I want to see the penalty in the "OMG that's too harsh" category. There's no sense sending the message that it's OK (and cheap) to poach regardless of where the deer lived!

For this same reason, I would hope the penalty would be harsh for poaching a Henry's buck even though I'll never hunt it again.

Zeke
 
You know I really have been looking at this through too narrow of a scope. Lets think about it. You have a giant deer that's worthless. Nobody buys a hunting license because of him. No one buys bullets to shoot him. No one books a hunt or gets a hotel room in hopes of hunting this untouchable giant. Then he gets whacked and suddenly you have DWR guys swarming the area for months building a case. They buy meals while they are in town investigating and fill up their trucks. Then the press shows up and they need a couple of hotel rooms to stay in while they do their story. Pretty soon one poached buck has yielded this little town a couple thousand bucks. Maybe these two poachers need to be assigned to the local COC.
 
Tristate,
Please take a break.
Lots of people enjoyed watching the famous buck. It's not that often you get an up and close view of such an amazing and friendly animal. I never saw the buck alive. Many friends and family did. You don't usually shoot a pet dog either. There is great value in animals, besides eating them when your hungry. Maybe some of his girl friends and offspring moved out of town with his genetics.

If there are some that would like to send a letter and voice your thoughts or concerns.

Judge Brandon Maynard
135 N 100 W
Logan, Ut 84321

or

Email Tony Baird [email protected]

Sentencing is March 2nd.

Thanks
 
Huntin50,

Yall convinced me the deer was worthless. He couldn't be bought or sold. He couldn't be legally taken by a hunter. We couldn't collect and sell semen from him. Just because he is dead doesn't mean his genetics are gone and you were "robbed" of them, that's not how genetics work. Your comparison of a pet dog being the same is absolutely incorrect. I can sell my dog. I can stud him out for money. A dog has value. Yall successfully made a 200+ inch deer worthless. Here is the even harder part for you to understand. Not only did yall make him worthless you more than likely made him a liability to a municipality. Luckily the municipality never had to deal lethally with the unnecessary risk that he made them accept and we all got to see him and see his pictures. But, make no doubt he was as worthless as robin in your yard. Just because a person saw his antlers and liked it didn't suddenly give him fiscal value.
 
LAST EDITED ON Jan-27-15 AT 07:29PM (MST)[p]Tri-state ....is the deer worthless?
Let's say yes for argument sake.

Now....its the many "doe s" that came from all over to be bred by his love juice. Those off spring didn't live all in the city. That type of genetics is getting harder to come by... are they worthless?
 
Yes they are worthless. "Does" don't travel from miles around to be bred by a specific bucks "juices". Plus killing him doesn't make the genetics lost. Genetics doesn't work like that.

Face it the buck was worthless. Face it guys the same argument Yall used to prove he was poached is the same that proves this deer ain't worth ten cents.
 
Can anyone pull up last years post? I can't seem to find it.
I'm with Sage, quit hanging a man before he's been tried. It's a pet, leave your emotions with your wives. Now that he has pled guilty, he should get a similar penalty to the Sampson Law.
 
Most of the HYDE PARK Buck Threads/Posts were NUKED!

Anytime the Truth Be Posted things Disappear!






[font color="redhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMsueOnu0kY
 
I don't follow the prosecutor's line of reasoning for not charging them with felonies.
"We save felonies for those who don't take responsibility and for those who make the most egregious mistakes?

A trophy deer, poached at night, with a 22 LR . . . isn't egregious? I would like to ask him what is.

Founder, if you added an "ignore" feature to this site it would be much more enjoyable for a lot of people.
 
There you go zekers!

Should keep you busy for a while!:D







[font color="redhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMsueOnu0kY
 
The deer was worthless????? In no way do I see any legitimacy to that statement. You cannot put a price on an animal like that. The memories and moments spent watching that deer were priceless. To those that think you can just "buy" a deer. Yeah maybe to those people it was a worthless deer. As for my view, this deer was priceless. However, tristate, I know you will just disagree and claim to always be right so I will just leave it at that.
 
LAST EDITED ON Jan-27-15 AT 07:39PM (MST)[p]Sad that some pay a lot for a guide to go hunt deer that are worthless and this guy will pay way less
 
It's interesting that the focus on this incident is wether the deer was valuable or could be hunted. Isn't the focus that hunters went out of their way to commit an illegal act that has consequences in the state ? Is the focus on the loss of the deer or is the focus on the illegal acts of someone who represents hunters in the public eye ? Maybe we should be more concerned about the acts that impact our resources whether they are 'huntable' or not and focus on the illegal act. If you read that two asshats like these robbed a family of $8,000 in cash would you react the same way ?
 
Trophy,

Don't fall back on "priceless". That doesn't work in the real world. Are you telling me that the deer is worth more than your life? In the real world the courts can quantify your life to an actual dollar figure. But somehow you have decided a deer is priceless???? Babies aren't priceless. Old people aren't priceless. But somehow this deer just got promoted to priceless???? Here's an idea. Set your emotions aside and start looking at this as a logical person.
 
You missed the point gahunter. If you could pay a guide to hunt this deer it wouldn't be worthless anymore.
 
LAST EDITED ON Jan-27-15 AT 09:14PM (MST)[p]LAST EDITED ON Jan-27-15 AT 08:18?PM (MST)

Donkey, listen......many deer winter in these yards/hills etc just like the Wasatch Front. That deer bred many. I'm not ignorant to believe these doe s come searching for a specific stud. Some of these deer stay in the city but most leave.

Then re-read. Never, did I say genetics are "lost". This deer had a genetic "trait" makeup that enables it to produce large antlers. Not all deer do. Example; your fat and pompous where as I'm opposite. Following? Now, whether that gene is passed to off spring and is recessive or dominant we'd never know really. I guess I will start DNA profiling? I'm just saying I"ll take that chance any day over the jacked up 3 point management buck trying to breed'em. Which is 5 yrs old and will never get over 130 inches.

Just a egesta for brains...

Whether people are in agreement or not this buck was poached and with out the help of people on here and locally it would have had different results. In the end,laws were broke that the general sportsman is to abide by. Whether it was a pet, lawn ornament, lawn fertilizer, or whatever,it was still an asset to the deer population and community.

Please post again your at 10 now just on this thread..you need to please!
 
Damn ElkAss, you keep nuked posts in your back pocket? I searched Hyde Park in the archives and came up with blanks! Haha, there's enough drama in those posts to keep me busy until spring!
 
The guy actually had me fooled. He's not even wearing a flat brim hat. I was caught off guard for sure.

Eel

It's written in the good Book that we'll never be asked to take more than we can. Sounds like a good plan, so bring it on!
 
>It's interesting that the focus on
>this incident is wether the
>deer was valuable or could
>be hunted. Isn't the focus
>that hunters went out of
>their way to commit an
>illegal act that has consequences
>in the state ? Is
>the focus on the loss
>of the deer or is
>the focus on the illegal
>acts of someone who represents
>hunters in the public eye
>? Maybe we should be
>more concerned about the acts
>that impact our resources whether
>they are 'huntable' or not
>and focus on the illegal
>act. If you read that
>two asshats like these robbed
>a family of $8,000 in
>cash would you react the
>same way ?

No need to bring reason into this conversation.
 
The things I find noteworthy about this case are related. One is the inconsistency of the witnesses. It has been said that many of the witness claimed to have seen the buck after hunting season and the Prosecutor himself said the buck was killed during the season but with a 22 caliber rifle at night. OverZealous, lying, witness to be sure. I wonder if these Keystone witness even understand that it was likely their own false testimony that weakened if not destroyed the Prosecutors case. This fact alone may have lead to the plea-bargain. How does a Prosecutor take a case to trial and attempt to prove the facts like the time of the poaching when he has a list of fools who have claimed to have seen the buck several days after he knows it was shot? The Justice system is not the problem here. The dumba$$ "witnesses" are.

Additionally on this thread most comments are about some false statements that have been made suggesting a light sentence.Overzealous posters for sure. How can you comment on the sentence until it is handed out? What I find just as offensive as trophy poaching for ego is keystone false witnessing for ego or cash and prizes. Those of you who claim to be concerned with Justice should be screaming for the Indightment of the false witness. They should be brought up on Felony Obstruction of Justice or Felony Perjury just like the Poachers.
 
LAST EDITED ON Jan-27-15 AT 11:29PM (MST)[p]Why does an accused accept a plea bargain trammer?
 
Milligun,

don't start crawfishing. You specifically said the doe were coming there for "his love juices".

As for your ignorance in genetics it isn't A dominate or recessive "Gene" that made those antlers. The genetics for growing those antlers existed there before he got there, they are there now that he is dead and they are already in the doe that he never bread. Think of it more like a card deck that gets to be semi shuffled and cut then mixed with another card deck. No cards are being removed and none are going back in. You don't know how genetics work. You don't understand what genetics are worth. Maybe you spend too much time wondering about love juices. The buck was worthless and most of the posters on this thread are being a bunch of zealots.
 
I hate poachers more than most classes of criminals... Why..??

Because every year, I see great deer, out-of-season... Often within very close range (easily close enough for a .22). And what do I do..?? I take photos and video... Dreaming of a day when I might be able to harvest such animals...

It does pain me to think of all the animals I dream of hunting that are killed illegally. Makes it hard to want to be a part of Utah's hunting system...

I hope they each get $10,000 fines and their hunting revoked for at least 10 years. I wouldn't mind jail time either, I'm guessing they already have criminal records..?? Throw the book at them.

"Therefore, wo be unto him that is at ease in Zion!" 2 Ne. 28: 24
 
Hahaha yep.

Tri starts out like...

pig%20argument_zpskelmweqz.jpg


Then backs it up with...

pig%20boots_zpszictobsp.png


But in reality most of us just see...

retarded%20pig_zpszf4poipe.jpg


And a guy who looks like...

badass%20pig_zpslciuuh83.jpg


Nothing better than feeding the pig a morsel and then watching it chase it's tail around all day before before having to sleep in his own shi well mud! The best part is that is that this pig like most other is always happy to oblige.

Again thanks for the laughs Tri - as I have been around forums a bit and when you choose as you so eloquently do - to play the roll you do - some of us will poke ya just for entertainment.

"munch sip" as another 23 slightly coherent rants are composed by who we all realize is the by far smartest and oh grandest of grand men on MM...
 
LAST EDITED ON Jan-28-15 AT 08:42AM (MST)[p]Methinks Tristate is a douche although I do admire his ability to troll for responses. As usual MM'ers lose sight of the actual issue here which is poaching and the impact it has on our sport and deer herds. When was the last time someone actually fought as hard for our deer herds as they do to be the smartest guy in the room on this site ? My guess is never. Maybe take all that effort you put into hating and crafting your responses and turn it towards bettering our sport instead of spitting the tripe you do here.
 
Nice going Pig, yet again you managed to turn a thread that is none of your business completely off topic and into some stupid meaningless argument about a city deer's worth. Did you and your dipchit TexASS lawyer buddies have a round table discussion about your internet arguments again? What a f- ing loser.
 
Tri,
Do you even read, Bro ? I'm not interested in having a conversation with people who don't understand the base issues at hand. The reason I think you're a douche is evident in your post. You seem like a well spoken man and I'm assuming probably have the best intentions on these forum's but like so many others just can't heft the weight of not getting in the last word.
My point is, and will be, if all this effort MM'ers put into running their mouths and being first, or best, or loudest went into cultivating relationships and building alliances what would that look like as united they pushed as hard for the resource as living up to their names ?
I don't have any skin in the game on the Hyde Park buck but as usual instead of people being pissed off that a deer was taken illegally, much like hundreds of other bucks that aren't Town Bucks, it deteriorates into a pissing match about whether the buck had any value ?
It's been many moons since I came back to this site and it's sad that instead of banding together and gathering the resources of the players here to do the right thing in our states many are more interested in maxing posts and making a name for themselves.
One day, some will look back and be embarrassed of how they pissed away a chance to make a difference and leave a legacy instead of a string of useless online posts attacking each other.
And I'm not impressed by the post above mine either. Bush league effort but you certainly expended some effort over it, right ?
 
Despite the trolling and mud wrestling on this thread, this situation is fairly simple. These two guys illegally shot a trophy deer at night within city limits in clear violation of the law. For Tristate's benefit, it is called the Wanton Destruction of Wildlife. See Utah Code Ann. 23-20-4. Then they lied about the incident and tried to cover up the crime until the pressure mounted and they eventually confessed. Given the size of this trophy buck, they certainly could have been charged with a Third Degree Felony but the prosecutor allowed them to plea bargain to a Class A Misdemeanor, which the prosecutor has discretion to do under the statute. These two criminals will be sentenced on March 2nd. The maximum sentence would be up to 18 months in jail, restitution in the amount of $8,000, and the loss of hunting privileges but the judge has the discretion to impose a more lenient sentence.

In my opinion, poachers are cheaters and thieves. They are stealing from the rest of us and they give sportsmen a bad name. Personally, I hope that the judge imposes as stiff of a penalty possible. If you want to provide input as a sportsman and member of the public, contact the prosecutor.

Hawkeye

Browning A-Bolt 300 Win Mag
Bowtech Destroyer
Winchester Apex .50 Cal
 
I used the link in post # 43 above, emailed the prosecutor.

My name is M*** S*****. I am writing from my home in CO Springs CO. We in CO have not been successful @ deterring poaching, though we have incrementally increased fines through the Sampson law. Like UT, CO is an easy state in which to perpetrate bad acts without detection. While the Hyde Park buck was not "off the radar," the consequences for poaching that buck have the potential to reach far into the rural spaces of your state, and into the minds of potential poachers. I encourage the court to apply the most severe sentence the law authorizes in this case. Poaching is a detriment to any state's reputation as a hunting destination, so the crime has many more victims statewide than the obvious ones.


In addition to fines and jail time, restitution should be broadly and expensively construed. One form of restitution would be useful community service, to benefit wildlife, that is physically demanding. Billboard shaming is another consequence that can be added to proscribed sentencing guidelines. Finally, thousands of hunters like me are watching this case, hoping for many years of loss of hunting privileges. We recognize that is the consequence that would have the strongest, most lasting impact if we were thus sentenced.


Thank you for reading, no need to reply.
 
In addition to the procedure outlined by Hawkeye, the DWR and/or wildlife board can take additional action to prevent the poachers from applying for a permit or purchasing a license. R657-26 sets for what the DWR may do administratively. For example, if the DWR feels the presiding judge sets forth a sentence that is too lenient, the DWR can implement an adjudicative proceeding to prevent the offenders from purchasing or applying for permits and licenses. Here is the administrative rule.

http://wildlife.utah.gov/hunting-in...se-permit-or-certificate-of-registration.html
 
Huntmuch,

I read your post. Do you know how to read bro? Is all you can do is join the band and not think for yourself bro? Bro do you ever think about the money involved in these situations and crimes. Do you ever think someone has to pay for that Bro? Do you realize all these people screaming for jail on these guys have to foot the bill for that Bro? Do you realize they actually proved the point that the deer isn't worth anything bro? Bro have you ever had to balance a checkbook? I guess if its other peoples money all the bros don't have to care much.

Bro look at the breakdown. Two guys poach a worthless deer. It was never going to bring any provable value to the state. Now most of the people on the thread want these guys to spend jail time for it. After all feeding and caring for the shmoes is free, right bro? People are mad that the state accepted a plea for a lesser charge AND SAVED EVERYONE THE COST OF A TRIAL, BRO! GO back and see how this thread started Bro! The whole thread was a hit piece to get a bunch of vengefull zealots wound up to piss away more money on a looser argument, BRO!
 
LAST EDITED ON Jan-28-15 AT 12:47PM (MST)[p]Tristate-

When it comes to politics, I am generally conservative, especially when as it relates to fiscal matters. However, I never complain about the cost of locking up criminals. I support building more jails and prisons if that means more criminals will actually do time and reap the consequences for the crimes they commit. That being said, I am confident the judge will be well informed and make a fair decision when these two are sentenced, whatever that may be.

Hawkeye

Browning A-Bolt 300 Win Mag
Bowtech Destroyer
Winchester Apex .50 Cal
 
LAST EDITED ON Jan-28-15 AT 01:08PM (MST)[p]LAST EDITED ON Jan-28-15 AT 01:07?PM (MST)

Tristate,
You may want to step off. I'm sure you looked at my post count and figured I'm an easy target but I've been here long before you and have done much more for mule deer in Utah than you'll ever do.
You may want to check yourself before you reply because I don't grow weeds to pick them. Despite your reputation on this site I still think you have some value.
Your response "Do you realize all these people screaming for jail on these guys have to foot the bill for that Bro? "really diminishes any standings you have with me or the forum and to answer your question " YES BRO, I WILL HAPPILY PAY THE FEES FOR POACHING AHOLES, BRO " because " IT'S AGAINST THE LAW, BRO AND ONLY FTARDS DO IT, BRO ". Your deer kills don't amount to much but your simple mindedness does.
I referenced you as 'BRO' because I'm pretty sure you're long on type and short on substance. How about this year you put as much money into habitat purchase or rehabilitation as you did in guided hunts BRO !
Or would that diminish your internet persona a little too much ?
Jackass.
 
The buck is worthless to Tri because he had to hire a real hunter and guide to wipe his azz here in UT to kill a buck.
 
Deerlove,
As much as I'd like to pile on Tristate any hunter who kills the bucks he has, regardless of a guide or not, has skill and a love of deer and deer hunting. That was my original point. If all the members of MM banded together for one cause how powerful would that be ? I'm not interested in getting into the weeds on Tristate because I've never met him. Probably a decent enough man.
 
Then go pay the fees. All on you. I want to see the receipt. You pay for both these guys jail time. Take it off the shoulders of everyone else. You volunteered. Step up and I'll "step off". Until then I will keep beating the drum for less government spending.
 
Hawkeye,

I would agree if the government could manage the money on the jails and justice system already running. I can tell you this there are literally tens of thousands of sex offenders I would rather get locked up before we spent any jail money on these two morons.
 
>I want yall to think about
>one more thing. If
>everything many of you say
>is correct then this deer
>wasn't worth a single red
>cent. According to many
>here the deer never ever
>left city limits. So
>there is absolutely no way
>the deer was ever going
>to be legally killed.
>That makes the deer worthless.
> Yall are all in
>a tissy over the most
>worthless big deer in Utah.
>

What about this deer's influence in genetic offspring? Surely not every buck fawn this dominant deer would have produced would stay within city limits? A lot of the does in the area come down during the rut? That's not worthless to most educated sportsmen. And to say a city deer is a dead deer is completely absurd. Sure, this buck stayed within a small square of the city his entire life, but many of our deer in the valley come right down into and around towns during the winter and back up to 8-9000 ft during summer.
 
So what you are saying is as long as you don't have any skin in the game your good with whatever ? As long as the FABULOUS TRISTATE doesn't have to take time from preening his online image to address an actual infraction of the law you're good to go right ?
Before the name of the game was 'Look what I killed and how good my camera angle is' it was take care of the sport and dismiss those who didn't. Evidently these two didn't take care of the sport and by your own statements you don't think that the stewardship of the sport lands on all of us. I'd put you in the same bucket as the poachers - ' I don't have to/want to pay for it so it's not my responsiblity' right ?
Take ownership of your statements. It would appear that you are not a very popular person on this site from what I see. Maybe take the hint and go where your efforts, or lack of them, are more appreciated, like PETA ?
 
LAST EDITED ON Jan-28-15 AT 01:51PM (MST)[p]And now you are siding with Hawkeye and riding the BIG GOVERNMENT thread ? The cost of the trial and any incarceration is worth it to the everyday sportsman because they are tired of seeing criminals let off easy.
Pretty chickensh!t rolling your comments into an anti-spending thread and I'm pretty sure Hawkeye isn't taking the bait either.
You had your picture on the front page for a minute, time to move along you sad little man.
 
Huntmuch,

No I am siding with the spend money correctly people. If Hawkeye thinks he is there then fine. Your still talking boy, get out your pocket book and pay for these two guys to be incarcerated. Talk all the trash you want I won't forget what you said you were going to do. Were you just writing checks your butt can't cash? Sure sounds like it.
 
If you were in jail for a year,and it cost you 35 dollars a night, work release during the day. Instead of going home to your family, back to jail after work. A person might think twice about deliberatly poaching a trophy animal. One thing for sure. He wouldn't be poaching that year. Just a thought.
 
Huntin50,

I have to imagine he hasn't poached since this deer got killed which is one year. I very well could be wrong but I think that's the main reason the wardens let the prosecution wait this long. They tried catching the guy in the act this year. I am pretty sure it stated the guy legally killed an elk this year. Sure sounds like he was on somebody's radar and didn't poach anything for a year. I wonder how much that cost?
 
> I very well could
>be wrong but I think
>that's the main reason the
>wardens let the prosecution wait
>this long.

Yep, you were wrong.
 
Hey Pig, you live in a shithole called TexASS. These 2 clowns would be doing time in Utah. Please explain how you would be paying for anything related to these assclowns and their time in jail? Once again, it's none of your business, now run along home boy.
 

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