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Nelsons Get 3 Years of Hunting Privileges Lost, $10,850 in Restitution
Two Webster, South Dakota, men will have to pay dearly for their love of bird hunting – or at least they thought they would.
Brant Nelson, 66, and Kirk Nelson, 63, were sentenced to 36 months of probation, $10,850.00 joint and several restitution, $500 fine, and the loss of hunting privileges for 3 years for their role in the killing of over 200 migratory birds in 2016.
The incident, which occurred in the spring of 2016, saw the Nelsons shoot and kill more than 200 pelicans and double-crested cormorants from their property in Day County, South Dakota. The species are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and cannot be lawfully hunted or killed under any circumstances.
The investigation into the incident was a joint effort between the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Clapper.
While the sentence may seem lenient, it marks a significant blow to the Nelsons’ freedom to hunt. The loss of hunting privileges for 3 years will undoubtedly have a significant impact on their lifestyle.
U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes handed down the sentence on May 31, 2017, bringing an end to the lengthy investigation and prosecution of the case. The guilty pleas of Brant and Kirk Nelson brought a sense of closure to the community and a reminder that wildlife crimes will not be taken lightly.
As the Grimy Times continues to investigate wildlife crimes in South Dakota, one thing is clear: those who break the law will be held accountable, no matter how lenient the sentence may seem.
RELATED: Nelsons Found Guilty of Tax Crimes
RELATED: Nelsons Found Guilty of Tax Crimes
Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Public Corruption|Weapons|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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