Jul 13, 2020

Nebraska outfitting company, hunting guide plead guilty

Posted Jul 13, 2020 11:55 PM

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - A hunting guide and a Nebraska outfitting company pleaded guilty Monday to a felony count involving the illegal transport, purchase and sale of wildlife in interstate commerce, federal prosecutors said Monday.

Jacob N. Hueftle, 30, and Hidden Hills Outfitters LLC of Broken Bow, Nebraska pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the U.S. attorney's office said in a news release.

Federal prosecutors said that between September 2012 and April 2018 Hidden Hills Outfitters, Hueftle and other conspirators provided guiding and outfitting services to hunting clients for the unlawful taking of at least 97 animals in violation of Nebraska law.

Sentencing is set for Oct. 5.

Monday's hearing comes amid the ongoing prosecution of numerous defendants related to violations committed by owners, guides, and clients of Hidden Hills Outfitters.

So far, 29 defendants have been sentenced and ordered to pay a total of $248,048 in fines and restitution, according to the U.S. attorney's office.