Hugh Thomas Burns Jr, Lacey Act Violation, Illinois 2023

BENTON, Ill. – A Williamson County duck hunting club has been ordered to shut down for two years after its owner pleaded guilty to a federal charge of Lacey Act violation. Hugh Thomas Burns, Jr., 67, of Carbondale, was the sole owner of Burns Hunting Club, LLC, which sold memberships and provided guiding services to migratory bird hunters on its property. Burns and co-defendant Michael D. McKinney, 52, of Benton, provided guiding services over illegally baited hunting fields.

According to court documents, Burns and McKinney conspired to bring guided hunts to blinds near the baited areas in January 2021. McKinney admitted to distributing corn kernels to attract migratory birds to the club’s property. The pair was charged with conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act by sale of wildlife in violation of federal law.

U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft stated, “Hunting and fishing are cherished traditions in Southern Illinois, and our office stands firmly behind sportsmen and women who enjoy those activities. But let’s be real: baiting a duck hunting landscape is like other forms of illegal poaching, which disadvantages honest hunters and violates federal law.”

The federal judge ordered Burns to pay a total of $11,000 in fines to the Lacey Act Reward Account through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as well as a total of $50,000 in restitution to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Burns was also sentenced to two years of probation and barred from hunting or providing guiding services for the duration of his probation.

Assistant Director Douglas Ault of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service stated, “Keeping quality hunting opportunities on the landscape is an essential part of America’s heritage that we are proud to uphold. This case is an important win for waterfowl hunters everywhere and puts poachers on notice.”

The Government seized a Chevrolet 2500 HD truck and a UTV that was used in the conspiracy. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Sanders prosecuted the case.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service contributed to the investigation. The case highlights the importance of upholding conservation laws and preventing wildlife poaching.

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