Poached deer could have set new record


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Poached deer could have set new record

Associated Press

GREAT FALLS -- Law enforcement officers executing a search warrant on the property of a man suspected of plotting to kidnap David Letterman's son found a set of mule deer antlers that would have been a new state record had they been taken legally.

Kelly Allen Frank of Simms pleaded guilty on July 11 to theft, felony possession of illegally killed wildlife and obstruction of justice. Prosecutors dropped a solicitation charge.

State wildlife officials said the antlers scored 207 7/8 on the Boone and Crockett scoring system. The current state record is 205 3/8 from a mule deer taken in 1983.

Teton County Attorney Joe Coble said Fish, Wildlife and Parks game wardens talked to an informant in the case who indicated Frank killed the mule deer last winter after the regular season was closed.

At Frank's court hearing he pleaded guilty to possessing the antlers, acknowledging that although someone else killed the buck, he knew it was illegally taken.

The charge became a felony because the mule deer is considered a trophy, putting its value at $8,000 by state law.

Coble said he is seeking five years in jail, $8,000 in restitution to the state and a lifetime revocation of his hunting and fishing privileges. Sentencing is tentatively set for Sept. 12.

http://www.billingsgazette.com/index.php?i...edeer-frank.inc

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