Three east Idaho men sentenced for wildlife violations

Three eastern Idaho men have been sentenced for felony wildlife violations dating back to 2010. According to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, the three appeared before Judge Charles Roos in Bingham County December 3.

Robert D. Huntsman, 52, of Shelley, Idaho, pleaded guilty to two counts of unlawfully possessing two trophy bull elk, unlawfully possessing a pronghorn antelope, and unlawfully possessing two or more big game animals in a twelve-month period. He was sentenced to $14,715 in fines and restitution, 8 years of probation, and suspension of his hunting privileges for life during which time he cannot accompany anyone in the field while hunting.

Jade D. Huntsman,28,of Shelley, Idaho, pleaded guilty to unlawfully possessing a trophy elk and a pronghorn antelope. He was sentenced to $4,880 in fines and restitution, 4 years probation, and suspension of his hunting privileges for seven years during which time he cannot accompany anyone in the field while hunting.

Robert Chad Huntsman, 29, of Ammon, Idaho, pleaded guilty to possessing a trophy elk unlawfully. His sentence included $3,720 in fines and restitution, 2 years probation, and suspension of his hunting privileges for 5 years during which time he cannot accompany anyone in the field while hunting.

Any person who unlawfully kills or has in their possession an unlawfully killed trophy animal can be charged with a felony. For elk, a trophy animal is a bull with a Boone and Crocket score exceeding 300 points. Any person who knowingly and intentionally sells any unlawfully taken animal or its parts can be charged with a separate felony. Idaho Fish and Game felonies are punishable by up to 5 years in state prison, a lifetime suspension of hunting and/or fishing privileges, and up to a $50,000 fine per count.