WICHITA, KAN. – Bryan D. Boxberger, 33, of Stafford, Kansas, is trading in his shotgun for a record of conviction. The Kansas hunting guide pleaded guilty today in federal court to violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, a charge stemming from a brazen over-limit goose hunt in Barton County. Boxberger’s actions weren’t about sport; they were about profit, and now he’s paying the price.
According to court documents, Boxberger acted as a guide for a party of 13 hunters, leading them to a field ripe with white-fronted geese. The result? A staggering 31 geese were illegally harvested, far exceeding the daily bag limit of two birds *per hunter*. Boxberger wasn’t just present; he actively facilitated the violation, turning a blind eye to the law in pursuit of a bigger payday.
U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister didn’t mince words when announcing the sentence. Boxberger received three years of probation, a period during which he’s barred from hunting, fishing, *or* acting as a guide – effectively ending his career in the outdoor industry. This isn’t a slap on the wrist; it’s a clear message that exploiting wildlife for personal gain won’t be tolerated.
The financial penalties are substantial. Boxberger was ordered to pay a $2,500 fine, directed to the North American Wetlands Conservation Fund, a fund dedicated to preserving vital waterfowl habitats. Additionally, he’s on the hook for $10,000 in restitution, payable to the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism-Law Enforcement Division Restitution Fund – money meant to compensate for the damage done to the state’s natural resources.
This case wasn’t solved in a vacuum. McAllister specifically commended the collaborative efforts of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster for their diligent work in bringing Boxberger to justice. It’s a reminder that effective law enforcement requires a unified front.
While Boxberger avoids jail time, his reputation is tarnished and his livelihood is gone. This conviction serves as a stark warning to other guides and hunters: follow the law, or face the consequences. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act isn’t just a suggestion; it’s the law, and federal prosecutors are prepared to enforce it.
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Key Facts
- State: Kansas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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