Brookings Man Pleads Guilty To Unlawful Taking Of Migratory Birds And Lacey Act Violations

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Chris Paclik, age 21, of Brookings, South Dakota, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge John E. Simko on July 15, 2013, and pled guilty to Count IV of the Information that charged him with Unlawful Taking of Migratory Birds and Lacey Act Violations. 

The maximum penalty upon conviction is 1 year of imprisonment, a $100,000 fine, or both; 1 year of supervised release, an additional year of supervised release upon revocation; and a $25 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered. 

The charges stem from an incident wherein Paclik, along with a group of friends known as “Team Those Guys” hunted between November 24, 2012, and November 29, 2012, in Miner County, South Dakota.  Paclik illegally killed 54 geese using an electronic device.  Paclik admitted he knew it was illegal to use said device while goose hunting during this time of the year.  After killing the geese, Paclik transported 11 of them from the field to his home in Brookings, in violation of federal law.

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

Paclik was released on bond pending sentencing which has been set for August 19, 2013.