FINES ON ILLEGAL DEER KILLS SKYROCKET

(08/02/2010)
Illegal hunters beware.

Two people convicted of illegally spotlighting and killing a deer in Preston County will pay more than $2,400 in fines, court costs and wildlife-replacement costs under a new state law, according to the WV Division of Natural Resources.

The new fine system applied to the convictions of 22-year-old Mike Chapman of Aurora and an unidentified Tucker County juvenile.

Both were also convicted in Preston County Magistrate Court of carrying a loaded firearm.

Previously, the state could collect just $200 on deer killed illegally, regardless of antler size.

Under the new law, those convicted must also pay an amount that varies with the width of the rack from $1,000 to $2,500.