[J_HANK]

Originally Posted by birdman

Grand Junction man sentenced for elk poaching

The Associated Press
Posted: 02/04/2009 09:30:11 AM MST
Updated: 02/04/2009 10:34:06 AM MST





GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.—A Grand Junction man has been sentenced to 4 1/2 years in prison for illegally killing a six-point trophy elk as a friend used vehicle headlights to spot the animal.


Twenty-eight-year-old Erik Ambriz learned his sentence Tuesday from Mesa County District Court Judge Brian Flynn, who called Ambriz a criminal that didn't respect the safety of humans.

Ambriz was sentenced on felony charges of possessing a weapon as a previous weapon offender and illegal sale of wildlife, and for misdemeanor use of artificial light while hunting.

Ambriz told an undercover Division of Wildlife officer he killed an elk the night of Oct. 14 near Mack. He'd purchased a big-game license for bull elk Oct. 13, but it wasn't valid until Oct. 18.
He apologized in court for his actions.

At least he was aware of what he did wrong. It is still no excuse for deliberate violation.
The way I see it? Was he feeding his family? (possible leniency)
Was he trying to stock his larder for the winter? (possible leniency)
OR was he just being a pig and trying to be macho? Book him Danno

[Kirkes]

Originally Posted by shortbus

4.5 years is too much. Murderers and rapists aren't getting 4.5 years these days.

Hunting is a huge part of colorado's economy and examples should be made of those who commit wildlife violations of this magnitude. IMO