Southwick Man Sentenced To Game Violations

LEWISTON - - A Southwick man pleaded guilty to two game law violations related to taking a whitetail deer with the use of a spotlight. Brian Abitz, 19, appeared in Nez Perce County Court on February 11, 2002 on charges of taking a big game animal with the aid of artificial light and for wasteful destruction. He was fined $2,392 and ordered to pay $400 in civil damages for the state's loss of the deer. Abitz also lost his hunting privileges for one year and was sentenced to ten days in jail. The charges stem from an incident that occurred on November 18, 2002. Idaho Department of Fish and Game received a report of spotlighting activity and a dead deer found on private land in the Southwick area, northwest of Orofino. Conservation officers, Barry Cummings and Mark Sands responded and found a dead buck whitetail deer carcass with the head removed on private land near Driscoll Road. Additional information led the officers to Abitz's home. During a search of Abitz's vehicle, the officers found a bloodstained hatchet, hair and blood on the rear floor mat. Abitz admitted to shooting the deer with a 30.30 rifle while a friend held a spotlight. Besides being inherently dangerous to shoot at night, it is strictly unlawful to hunt big game at night or use artificial light, such as spotlights or headlights. "I think this sentence sends a strong message that this sort of illegal activity won't be tolerated," Cummings said. "The Nez Perce County Court system affirmed the seriousness of this crime with the penalty given." The ethical hunter also plays a vital role in helping protect Idaho's wildlife. Concerned citizens with information about wildlife violations are urged to contact any local law enforcement authority or call the Citizens Against Poaching Hotline at 1-800-632-5999. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.