A Minnesota deer hunter paid the price for poaching -- $1,500 in fines and restitution and five days in jail -- after he shot an eight-point buck in a state park, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said.
That trophy-size deer taken in 2006 is now on display at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park, where the deer was taken.
Along with the fines and jail time, Joshua R. Lincoln, 20, of Hillman, also had his big-game hunting privileges suspended for three years, the DNR said.
According to the DNR, Lincoln was caught after conservation officer Paul Kuske received a call saying Lincoln had a poached deer in the back of his pickup. Kruse found an untagged buck and the head of a tagged buck in the truck bed.
A part of the restitution went to mount the deer. "It was a beautiful buck that likely spent its days in the state park," Kuske said. "It only seems appropriate that it be mounted and shared with those who visit Kathio."
PAUL WALSH
