Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
The kill that started it all. This deer and the others found to be taken illegally were confiscated.
This deer was shot at the beginning of October 2018. Firearm season does not open until Nov. 10, 2018. All illegal kills, or parts thereor, were confiscated.
This rack came from an unlawful kill on September 3, 2018. All illegal kills, or parts thereor, were confiscated.
Two Kimball County residents face multiple charges, an open investigation continues.
According to police reports, on Saturday, Oct. 27, at approximately 11 a.m., Deputy Jason Hottell of the Kimball County Sheriffs Office was on call when he noticed a Ford pickup driving west on County Road 6 south of Dix with what looked to be a buck in the bed of the pickup. Seeing the antlers, Hottell turned around and began to follow the vehicle suspicious that the buck was taken on private property.
"I noticed the antlers and, knowing this is only archery season and that there is no concealment along County Road 6, and there is not public hunting areas in that part of the county, my suspicions were raised, and I began to follow in attempts to gain more detail," said Deputy Hottell.
Hottell was assisted in this investigation by Wildlife Conservation Officer Jim Zimmerman of the Nebraska Game and Parks, along with Henderson Bryson of the Kimball Police Department.
Once in Kimball the Ford pulled over and Hottell questioned the driver, Brandon Barker, and passenger, Cecilia Biberos, both of Kimball.
Hottell asked Barker if he had a archery deer permit, Barker responded yes and that he had shot this deer with his bow. Hottell examined the 4x4 Mule deer buck and found no evidence of blood, which would be associated with a shot of the broadhead tip Barker claimed to be using.
Barker was asked if he had any other weapons in the vehicle, he responded yes, a .22 rifle. Hottell asked if that is what the deer was shot with and Barker stated no, at first, then later admitted to the illegal method of take with a firearm during archery season.
Hottell and Zimmerman wondered if this was the sole deer Barker had taken illegally this season.
Following up on this hunch, law enforcement officials uncovered information about more deer illegally taken, two from 2017 and three from this year.
During the ensuing investigation officials noted a total of six Mule deer, to date, however this matter is still under investigation and awaiting more possible charges including a total of six people,from Kimball County Attorney Dave Wilson.
"Everything just snowballed after Barker admitted to the illegal take down of the buck, he admitted to everything else regarding the others," Hottell said.
Barker is currently charged with; illegal method of take, a class two misdemeanor, hunting without permission, a class three misdemeanor, shoot onto or across land without permission, a class five misdemeanor, as well as wildlife prohibited acts-liquidation damages $2,000 per Mule deer.
Biberos is currently charged with accessory to; illegal method of take, hunting without permission, shoot onto or across land with out permission with the same possible sentences as Barker.
Law enforcement seized two rifles, a compound bow, two deer including the 4x4 buck that initiated the stop as well as one set of 4x5 antlers.
In addition to the misdemeanor charges and fines of $2,000 per Mule deer, Barker and one other may face $12,000 in pending charges of liquidation of damages. This money, if received, will be issued to the Nebraska Game and Parks to help supply proper equipment and funds to patrol the wildlife and hunting areas.
"This 4x4 that we initially found was just two inches short of being considered a trophy buck," Hottell added.
According to Nebraska Legislature, a trophy buck Mule deer in the state of Nebraska is a minimum of eight total points and an inside spread between beams of at least 22 inches. The fine for taking a trophy buck Mule deer illegally is $10,000 per deer for liquidation damages.
A trophy buck Whitetail deer is a minimum of eight total points and an inside spread between beams of at least 16 inches. A fine $10,000 per deer is assessed for any animal taken unlawfully.
A reminder to Kimball County residents that the Kimball County Sheriffs Office covers a wide spread area, approximately 952 miles. They will continue to patrol areas and enforce laws and regulations especially during firearm season, with an opening day of Nov. 10 through Nov. 18.
"The responsibility to know and understand the rules and regulations of hunting and fishing in Nebraska is up to to the harvester," said Hottell.