Deer Poaching Leads to Record Nebraska Fine

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Updated: 4:39 PM Nov 10, 2009 Deer Poaching Leads to Record Nebraska Fine Lincoln, Nebraska The largest poaching fine in Nebraska since electronic court records began being kept in 1996 has been levied in Cherry County. Posted: 6:16 AM Nov 10, 2009 Reporter: Associated Press Email Address: desk@1011now.com

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The largest poaching fine in Nebraska since electronic court records began being kept in 1996 has been levied in Cherry County.

Last week, three men from Merriman were ordered by a Cherry County judge to pay a combined $20,145 for illegally killing five mule deer.

The men left four of the deer to rot in a field south of Merriman on Sept. 19.

The largest of the five deer, a five-by-five buck, was left hanging on display on a flatbed trailer.

Each of the men pleaded guilty to about two dozen counts, including hunting during a closed season, hunting without permission, hunting with artificial light, game harassment, and wanton waste.

The men who shot the deer are: Nathan Chappell, 27; Kip Castellaw, 22; and Ernie Bennett, 57.

Latest Comments

Posted by: Jessica Location: Yutan on Nov 19, 2009 at 09:13 AM

First of all, guns and alcohol do not mix. That alone is intolerable. They put other people at risk, not to mention the waste of killing these animals and leaving them to rot. Why would anyone make excuses for such behavior? This is how many of us put meat in our freezer and hunting is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors. Fishing and hunting give us the opportunity to teach our youth about respecting our resources and how to legally and ethically manage them. These individuals are NOT part of the hunting community!

Posted by: kelly Location: cozad on Nov 17, 2009 at 07:56 PM

i dont think what these guys got is enough. i am a hunter fisherman i love the outdoors. i have 10 12 and 21 year old boys i have taught them to ask permision to hunt and respect the laws. as i was taught. what is said to the younger people when this kinda of stuff goes on??? it is our children that will suffer in the long run because of idiots like this.

Posted by: Todd Location: Lincoln on Nov 16, 2009 at 10:12 AM

Wow three idiots here got less than what they deserved. I grew up in western Ne and avid hunter just back from another great hunt in Frontier county. I think they got off to easy. You fellows are what make hunts so hard in Ne spoil it for everyone. Should have been sent to Nebraska State Corrections couple years maybe change your decision making. Where you would be if I was on the bench.

Posted by: Dennis Location: Lincoln on Nov 13, 2009 at 06:35 PM

hopfully they learn that they cant do this type of activity,shame on their kind that doesnt have anything else to do in their time except killing and just wasting the meat for no cause

Posted by: Tom Location: Eastern Nebraska on Nov 12, 2009 at 04:52 PM

Im an avid hunter. I hunt deer with a bow, rifle, and muzzleloader. I think these clowns should get alittle jail time also. These are the kind of people that give firearmes, hunting, and hunters a bad name.

Posted by: Hunter Location: Nebraska on Nov 12, 2009 at 12:38 PM

The NGPC has been giving out bonus tags both this year and last year in many regions throughout the state. It's clear they are trying to do something. Whether or not those extra tags are filled is another story.

Posted by: Brandon Location: Central Nebraksa on Nov 11, 2009 at 07:31 PM

I don't like to put people on the spot, but Dennis, you've got to be kidding me with your "They should be rewarded" comment. Rewarding people for breaking the law isn't good practice. The fine isn't too steep either. These gentlemen were given a punishment that fit the crime. Also, I'd like to point out that these were mule deer, they don't exhibit the same behavior as whitetail deer. I'm quite certain that the deer you've seen on the highway are whitetail. NGPC takes great pride in the quality hunting that is offered in Neb. By enforcing these laws, we can ensure increased state income etc. from out of state hunters who come here. There's a lot to be said for that. I agree that the NGPC needs to make an effort to promote population control of large game. Rather than rewarding the wrong doers, maybe everyone should encourage the NGPC to adopt a two for one permit similar to that of the fall turkey season. It would promote law abiding harvest rather than unlawful massacre of quality game

Posted by: Pamela Location: Lincoln on Nov 10, 2009 at 10:46 PM

Maybe they should find out what it's like to live in jail for a while.... Their new home away from home!

Posted by: Leighton Location: Vermont on Nov 10, 2009 at 08:27 PM

There is no fine high enough for total disregard of ethics and commonsence. Thank god no one was hurt...this time. We are farmers/hunters too and understand the frustration being felt. What do you do?

Posted by: Dennis Location: Valentine on Nov 10, 2009 at 08:05 PM

These people may have done wrong by shooting these deer. But it seems to me that there are an abundance of these things and they only cause havoc along our highways in Nebraska, i.e. the accident that KILLED 2 PEOPLE on I-80 just the other day near Grand Island. Someone needs to take control of this ongoing problem and maybe--just maybe these gentlemen were trying to do just that!!!! Do you want any of your family to die because of a deer, that has become over populated in our state and along the highways of Nebraska???? I witnessed the other day driving down one of the US highways that cross our state and seen 5 fresh road killed deer. WOW this is incredible. These people should be rewarded!!

Posted by: Disturbed Location: Lincoln on Nov 10, 2009 at 05:55 PM

They got fined more than drunk drivers because they WERE drunk drivers, driving where they were not allowed, firing guns, all near homes with children in them. If you ask me reckless endangerment should be added to the list of charges and jail time should be considered. I'm not a PETA person, but I do believe animals should only be killed if you plan on utilizing them for skins and or food. Not sport alone. These guys were just out to kill. And did it unfairly with the guns they used, and spotlights. Nothing sensible about it. I'm glad they got caught.

Posted by: Debbie Location: SE Nebraska on Nov 10, 2009 at 05:18 PM

These guys should've been hung like the deer! I am from a hunting family, I agree with taking an animal for the right reason - to shoot them to leave them lay or to display their stupidity is not the reason. Many people take hunting very serious, scout all year to know where to hunt, follow the rules, take an animal for trophy reasons and for the meat. These kind of people are not tolerated by true Nebraskan hunters.

Posted by: Ian Location: Merriman/Lincoln on Nov 10, 2009 at 03:51 PM

This happened on my family's ranch (Twisted Pine Ranch)who take in paying deer hunters as part of our living. $20,000 isn't that high of a fine. Actually at $4000 per deer that would just cover the price to hunt them legally not including the licenses. Also they were all hammered drunk and one of the deer was killed within a 100 yards of an occupied house with 3 small children. Weapon of choice?? An AR 15 and Mini 14. Not exactly deer rifles. The one is the supervisor for the Dept. of Roads so it will be interesting to see how they view that and if he will keep his job.

Posted by: Robb Location: Syracuse on Nov 10, 2009 at 02:06 PM

Look at the bright side. They probably saved people $30,000 in car repair bills.

Posted by: Mel Location: Nebraska on Nov 10, 2009 at 01:25 PM

I come from a family of avid hunters; I’m thinking the fine is a little hefty here. Yes, what they did was wrong…but I’ve known people to do worse crime & get less fines.

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