Convicted poacher loses hunting privileges for life
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) — State police say six people who pleaded guilty in the unlawful taking of four bull elk near Cottage Grove learned their sentences Wednesday in Lane County Circuit Court.
Police identified 50-year-old John Atwater as the shooter. He was sentenced to 40 days in the Lane County Jail and his hunting privileges were suspended for life.
Atwater must also forfeit his rifle and pay fines and restitution.
Five people who helped Atwater retrieve the elk last fall received less severe sentences. Atwater's son, Dustin, was ordered to spend 15 days in jail. The others will serve no jail time.
(Copyright 2010 The Associated Press)
