In a blatant disregard for regulations and ethics, a Kansas man has been sentenced and fined for his now-infamous poaching spree.
A multi-year investigation by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism led by Game Wardens Jason Harrold, Scott Stoughton, and K9 Officer Gypsy has resulted in serious criminal charges. This brings to conclusion a story that's sure to be one of the biggest poaching cases ever in the state.
John Blick, Jr. of Sharon, Kansas was found guilty of the illegal hunting and poaching of 60 whitetail and mule deer. On top of that, his prior convictions meant he had a record, and received charges of a felon in possession of a firearm during the poaching of those deer.
The poaching occurred mainly in Barber County, Kansas along the state's southern border.
A total of $310,234.68 in restitution was tallied for the value of the deer killed, and Blick will be required to pay that amount to the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. He'll also have to forfeit his hunting privileges for five years from the date of conviction.
Blick was also charged and plead guilty to 33 misdemeanors in Harper County and was fined an additional $15,000 worth of fines with Restitutions amount ordered of $17,407.04 for three trophy deer that he killed in Harper County in 2019.
The news, as well as photos depicting many of the deer heads and antlers along with the hunting equipment allegedly used in the crimes, was shared in a Facebook post by Kansas DWPT.
From the post:
In both counties the charges pled guilty to included numerous counts of Criminal Hunting, Hunting with Aid of a motor vehicle, Criminal discharge of a firearm, Felon on possession of a firearm, Fail to purchase or to tag deer, Exceed bag limits, Hunt with Artificial light, Hunting without a valid license and take Trophy deer illegally.
Blick received a sentence of 14 months in prison, followed by 12 months of Post-Release Supervision with the Kansas Department of Corrections.
The deer heads will be destroyed, in accordance with local laws, and the seized firearms and equipment are required to be forfeited to the state of Kansas.
For hunting gear check out Cabelas.com.
NEXT: 3 MARYLAND MEN CHARGED WITH POACHING ALBINO DEER FROM ROADWAY
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