Saint Maries trio sentenced in North Idaho deer poaching case

On May 11, the final sentencing was issued for one of three individuals involved in the unlawful killing of seven mature white-tailed deer bucks in North Idaho during November 2024.

The individuals involved in the case were Will Clark, Lucas Mitchell and Laura Willis.

Sentencing for Mitchell (Feb. 2026) included:

• $17,200 in restitution (jointly shared among three individuals)
• $525 in processing fees (shared with Clark)
• All associated court costs
• Seven months in county jail
• Five years of supervised probation
• Ten-year hunting license revocation

Sentencing for Clark (April 2026) included:

• $17,200 in restitution (jointly shared among three individuals)
• $525 in processing fees (shared with Mitchell)
• All associated court costs
• Zero to four years in prison—currently incarcerated
• Ten-year hunting license revocation

Sentencing for Willis (May 2026) included:

• $6,000 in restitution (jointly shared among three individuals)
• $150 in processing fees
• All associated court costs
• $200 fine
• One year of unsupervised probation
• One-year hunting license revocation

Details of the case

Clark and Mitchell were originally charged on June 27 with eight felony counts related to the unlawful killing of the deer. The investigation, conducted by Idaho Fish and Game conservation officers in the Panhandle Region, documented 56 wildlife violations.

All seven deer were illegally killed in November 2024. Five of the deer were taken within a single 24-hour period, and three of the bucks met Idaho’s legal definition of a “trophy” white-tailed deer, which carries enhanced civil penalties under state law.

All seven deer were taken outside of legal shooting hours, and meat from three of the animals was left to waste.

Willis later pleaded guilty to charges related to tag transfer and unlawful possession of big game.

Fish and Game thanks the public for remaining vigilant in reporting potential wildlife crimes through the Citizens Against Poaching hotline. Public involvement plays a critical role in ensuring Idaho’s fish and wildlife exists for future generations.

Fish and Game also thanks the Kootenai County Prosecutor’s Office for reviewing the case and pursuing charges consistent with the violations.

Anyone who observes or has information about a wildlife crime is encouraged to call the Citizens Against Poaching hotline at 1-800-632-5999 or submit a report online.

Monetary rewards may be available for individuals who provide credible, detailed information that significantly aids in identifying suspects and leads to charges being filed.