In June of 2016, the state of Maryland introduced a new anti-poaching law that would see all deer poaching offenders subject to restitution and community service penalties based on the measurement of the animal’s antlers.
Under the new legislation, illegally killed bucks sporting antlers scoring 150 or fewer points require restitution of between $2,000 and $5,000 paired with 80 hours of community service. Illegally taken bucks eclipsing 150 scoreable points require restitution of between $5,000 and $10,000 and 80 hours of community service.
Antlerless deer poached within the state’s borders are subject to $300 to $500 in restitution and 40 hours of community service, under the new laws as well.
Last week, Judge Melvin J. Jews had the opportunity to hand down the first sentence under the new law after a pair of young men were caught jack lighting deer in November.
According to Department of Natural Resources officers, the pair was spotted using a spotlight to identify deer in a field and after several passes, shots were fired. Officers promptly stopped the pair where they found the body of a 9-point untagged whitetail in the back of the vehicle and a rifle inside the cab.
Andrew Collison Harding, 21, and Toby Allen Hughes, 21, were immediately arrested while the animal and firearm were seized by wildlife officers.
In Dorchester County District Court last week, the pair were convicted of casting rays with an implement (jack lighting), hunting deer at night, hunting deer from a vehicle, hunting deer during a closed season and having a loaded weapon in a vehicle, despite their not guilty plea.
Judge Melvin J. Jews handed down orders for each man to pay restitution of $2,000 to Maryland’s Wildlife Management and Protection Fund as well as 80 hours of community service.
Additionally, the judge revoked their hunting license privileges for two years. Hughes and Harding also received a six-month jail sentence which was suspended, and one year of supervised probation.
The rifle and scope used in the incident along with the head of the buck were forfeited to Maryland Natural Resources Police and the meat from the deer was donated to Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry.
Images: Maryland Department of Natural Resources
