Trout Creek couple fined for wildlife violations

A Trout Creek couple were fined after investigations found they had violated multiple wildlife hunting violations.

Derek Ricks and Cheryl Coon Ricks of Trout Creek in the western part of Sanders County were under investigations after the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks opened investigations into alleged residency violations.

According to the press release from FWP, the pair were investigated for the crimes by former Polson Game Warden and current FWP Region 6 Warden Captain Ron Howell, and FWP Game Warden Tom Chianelli.

The initial investigation evolved into a larger case of illegally hunting game animals over bait and the unlawful supplemental feeding of game animals.

FWP Region 1 Investigator Brian Sommers said that both individuals entered plea deals into Thompson Falls and Bozeman Justice Courts in the late summer of 2017.

He also estimated that several hundred pounds of supplemental feed were placed at a single feeder.

In December of 2016, Thompson Falls Game Wardens Troy Hinck and Sommers issued 56 citations to Derek Ricks in Sanders and Gallatin counties for unlawful possession of big game; non-resident purchasing Montana resident licenses; providing supplemental feed to big game; hunting with the aid of bait; and other violations.

“This is one of the most severe cases of providing supplemental feed to wildlife that I have encountered in my 32-year career,” said Sommers.

Both Ricks and Coon Ricks were charged with several wildlife crimes including that of meeting the residency permit requirements.

The residency permit requirements are described in Montana Code Annotated § 87-2-102; which state that the permit holder must reside in the state of Montana for consecutive 180 days prior to applying for the permit.

Other requirements also include that applicant to file their taxes in the state as a resident; person licenses and titles in Montana as required by law any vehicles that the person owns and operates in Montana and so forth.

Overall, there are 10 requirements that have to be met to obtain the residency permit, to which the pair failed to do so.

After plea agreements were made through both the Sanders and Gallatin counties, the total of fines that were determined equalled $10,210 for Ricks.

He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $2,500 and lost his hunting, fishing and trapping privileges for 36 months.

Coon Ricks also entered a plea agreement at the same time with both counties’ Justice courts. She was fined $3,425 and was ordered to pay $500 restitution and lost her hunting, fishing and trapping privileges for 36 months.

Ricks was also charged for unlawfully killed wildlife which included a bull elk, mule deer from 2012, and white-tailed buck from 2015 that was shot on a resident license with aid of bait.

The MFWP also stated that in 2015 there was a black bear shot on a resident license with aid of bait. Adding there was also a failure to report the harvest of the bear to the MFWP.

In all, Sommers issued 11 citations to Coon Ricks for both Sanders and Gallatin county violations. Citations included; unlawful possession of big game; a non-resident purchasing Montana resident licenses; providing supplemental feed to big game; hunting with the aid of bait; and others.

The unlawful killing of wildlife for Coon Ricks, included that of a white-tail buck from 2015 shot on a resident license with the aid of bait.

Both cases are now closed with the courts. MFWP representative Dillon Tabish said this case was a strong reminder to those who wish to hunt to abide by the law.

“Our law enforcement division is committed to protecting our animals against those that don’t wish to do the right thing,” he said.

“We want to keep the outdoors great for both animals and humans alike, but you have to respect the permits and processes,” he added.

Tabish emphasized that the Game Wardens are very knowledgeable and know what to look for.

“Our wardens are very dedicated to ensuring people are abiding by the law,” he said.

“If you don’t know, contact us and ask. We have permits to suite all kinds of hunters, but you have to make sure you meet the requirements. Don’t take unnecessary chances, because you will get caught,” Tabish urged hunting enthusiasts.