Convictions in a felony poaching case last month will mean substantial fines and likely prison time for ranch owners in the Ten Sleep area.

According to the release from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Richard Carter Sr, owner of Big Horn Adventure Outfitters, and his sons, RC and Mark trafficked in trophy elk on the Carter Ranch from 2003 to 2009.

"So basically they were allowing hunters to come on their land and shoot animals illegally that they did not have licences for and then the land owners, the Carter family, helped transport these animals back to the hunter's home states."

Robin Kepple, spokesperson at the Casper Regional Game and Fish offices says the out of state hunters were charged with misdemeanor and felony violations. The felony charges were for transporting illegally taken wildlife over state lines.

Sentencing is scheduled for June 4th. The men face possible prison sentences of from 5 to 15 years and fines of up to $750,000.

 

 

More From K2 Radio