Sioux Falls Man Pleads Guilty And Is Sentenced For Unlawful Taking Of Migratory Birds And Lacey Act Violations

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Travis Vacek, age 34, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, has pled guilty to Count II of the Amended Information that charged him with Unlawful Taking of Migratory Birds and Lacey Act Violations. 

Vacek was sentenced on July 15, 2013, by U.S. Magistrate Judge John E. Simko to 1 year probation, $1,350 in restitution, a $200 fine, and a $25 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Vacek’s hunting privileges were also revoked for 1 year.

The charges stem from an incident wherein Vacek, along with a group of friends known as “Team Those Guys” hunted on November 24, 2012, in Miner County, South Dakota.  Vacek illegally killed 18 geese using an electronic device.  Vacek admitted he knew it was illegal to use said device while goose hunting during this time of the year.  After killing the geese, they were transported from the field to various locations, in violation of federal law.

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.