A Colorado man was sentenced for hunting violations from a Nebraska hunt.
In federal court Friday, a judge sentenced Micheal T. Ban was sentenced for violations of the Lacey Act. Ban was sentenced to two years’ probation for unlawful transportation of wildlife in interstate commerce, ordered to pay a $5,000 fine and ordered to pay $4,000 in restitution. As part of his probation terms, Ban shall not hunt, fish, trap, provide guiding or outfitting services, or assist or be present with anyone engaged in those activities for one year.
The charges stem from a hunt in fall 2019, where Ban traveled to Noble outdoors in North Platte, Nebraska for an archery mule deer hunt.
During the hunt Ban unlawfully shot a mule deer buck with 5 X 5 antlers in velvet without a valid deer permit and during closed season hours.
After taking the deer while guided and accompanied by the Noble Outdoors owner, Ban purchased a Nebraska Non-resident Archery Deer Permit the following day in order to conceal the fact the deer was taken without a permit.
Under Nebraska state law, hunters are required to possess a valid permit and habitat stamp prior to hunting or taking mule deer and are authorized to hunt only during the legal shooting hours from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
Ban then transported a taxidermy shoulder mount including parts of the unlawfully taken trophy deer back to his Colorado residence.
Ban’s sentencing is part of the ongoing prosecution of numerous defendants related to violations committed by Noble Outdoors and its owner, associates, and clients between 2015 and 2021. In total, 17 defendants have been sentenced and ordered to pay a more than $65,000 in fines and restitution for state and federal violations.
The joint investigation was conducted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Law Enforcement Division.
