Travis Butler, Black Bear Poaching, MS 2023

Meridian, Miss. – Travis Butler, 30, has been sentenced to five years’ probation and five months of home confinement for his role in the illegal killing of a protected Louisiana Black Bear. The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Special Agent in Charge Luis Santiago.

The black bear, classified as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act until its delisting in 2016, was killed in Lauderdale County, Mississippi, and then arranged to be mounted by a taxidermist. Butler, along with David Lucas Wimberly, 37, of Quitman, Mississippi, and Chester Brad Williams, 52, of Toomsuba, Mississippi, were also involved in the crime.

Butler faced additional charges for obstructing the federal investigation that led to his arrest. He was ordered to pay $3,333.33 in restitution. Wimberly and Williams received one year of probation, a $1,000 fine, and a hunting ban.

The case highlights the collaboration between federal and state wildlife officers in enforcing laws protecting endangered species. ‘The efforts of the State of Mississippi to repopulate the Louisiana Black Bear would have been undone had it not been for the protection of this species years ago,’ said Davis.

‘We take our mission to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats very seriously,’ Santiago emphasized. ‘We will continue investigating those who violate state and federal laws.’ The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.