In Omaha, Nebraska, federal wildlife officials secured a rare conviction against Jack McClanahan, 66, was convicted for butchering illegal shot game in his garage.

The federal investigation lasted 18-month and included undercover agents. Federal investigators raided his home and found a detached garage containing maggots and mouse droppings and lead contamination.

A news release from Nebraska U.S. Attorney Joe Stecher’s office said: “McClanahan stated he did not care if the game was illegal or not and further stated he has lots of friends who brought him deer, which were illegally taken in Iowa. He also bragged to the agent about game he had illegally killed or hunted himself.”
McClanahan denied that.
Webb also said the debris found at the slaughter site provided a potential for lead poisoning and bacteria contamination.
Mcclanahan said he was planning to clean the day the agents showed up.

McClanahan was given three years of probation and a $10,000 fine.

The targeting of a butcher is not often seen in a federal sting, but it clearly has a deterrent impact since these individuals are a hub for illegal hunters. Moreover, the absence of jail time should send a message without undue punishment. Presumably, however, a felony will mean that McClanahan gun ownership will be lost absent special waivers (though I am not familiar with Nebraska gun laws).

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