Proachers busted

Two Texas Brothers Busted in Biggest Trophy Deer Poaching Case in Kansas History - 2
by Alex Robinson

Two Texas brothers were sentenced to a total of 5.75 years in prison and fined $70,000 after pleading guilty in what U.S. Wildlife officials say is the largest trophy deer poaching case in Kansas history (and possibly U.S. history).

Marlin Butler and James Butler were sentenced last week after prosecutors argued that the two brothers guided up to 60 clients to illegally kill about 160 deer. The brothers participated in jacklighting deer, shooting deer in the wrong management unit, trespassing and guiding hunters without hunting licenses. While the $70,000 in fines sounds steep, it's by no means the largest fine to be given to a poacher. To see the biggest poaching fines in U.S. history go to: The 50 Biggest Poaching Fines in History.

The deer were transported over state lines, which means the Butlers could be rung up on felonies for violating the Lacey Act. The act makes it illegal to knowingly transport or sell in interstate commerce any wildlife taken or possessed in violation of state law or regulation.

"This is the largest case in the history of wildlife law enforcement in Kansas," Steve Oberholtzer, a special agent with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, said in a press statement. "Trophy deer are an important resource for the state of Kansas from both wildlife and economic standpoints.

The Butlers sold deer hunts for between $2,500 and $5,000 and guided their clients to some true trophies. The USFWS confiscated more than 100 mounts from the brothers with bucks ranging from 120 inches to over 200 inches.

Wildlife officials are continuing to investigate the case and could charge some of the clients involved. Both brothers are appealing their sentences.

"This prosecution sends a message to everyone in Kansas and elsewhere that there will be serious consequences for those who seek to profit by violating state and federal wildlife laws, especially at the expense of those who hunt and guide lawfully," said Ignacia S. Moreno, an assistant attorney general with the Justice Department.

Got what they deserve IMO!! should be more really, these are the kinds of people that give true sportsmen a black eye and really add fuel to the fire for the anti's out there. hopefully the state doesnt cut a deal with them for a lesser sentence.

buckbuster217 wrote:

Got what they deserve IMO!! should be more really, these are the kinds of people that give true sportsmen a black eye and really add fuel to the fire for the anti's out there. hopefully the state doesnt cut a deal with them for a lesser sentence.

right with ya

Should have been an even steaper fine and jail time. Dirt bags got what they deserve.

Was just wondering if anyone has heard anything else about this case ?

Robert wrote:

Marlin Butler and James Butler were sentenced last week after prosecutors argued that the two brothers guided up to 60 clients to illegally kill about 160 deer. The brothers participated in jacklighting deer, shooting deer in the wrong management unit, trespassing and guiding hunters without hunting licenses.

What is REALLY disturbing to me is they found 60 "clients" to guide. Was one driving and the other holding the light for these clients?

I hope they bust there clients as well. I have never understood people that poach, what fun is that? Most of em do cause they need to boost there ego, but lack any skills, or discipline to be able to do take a trophy the right way.

All clients should be charged, the brothers fines and sentces should be tripled at a minimum, what they got is not near enough for the number of deer that were illegally taken, i think they got off way to easy.