Prosecutors Desk 3-18-12

On Wednesday, March 14, 2012, Shaun Clinton Brundage, 31, of Moses Lake was convicted by a District Court jury of Unlawful Hunting of Big Game in the Second Degree. Mr. Brundage traveled to Stevens County to hunt whitetail deer during the late modern firearm season, which in 2011, ran from November 9th through November 15th.

The evidence presented at trial established that Mr. Brundage was hunting in an area of the county located east of Loon Lake and north of Clayton. This area is referred to as Game Management Unit (GMU) 117. The deer, an illegal “spike” buck, was on private property when Mr. Brundage shot and killed it. He also did not have permission to hunt on the property, nor was there any public property located nearby. The land was posted plainly with “No Trespassing” signs. The owner of the property confronted him almost immediately and called the WDFW. Mr. Brundage was not charged with trespassing because he shot from the roadway and did not actually go onto the private property himself.

The case was investigated by Officer Pam Taylor of the Department of Fish & Wildlife. The deer was recovered and transported to the Loon Lake Food Pantry where the meat was processed and donated to feed needy families in Stevens County. This is commonly done so that meat is not wasted.

This crime carries a maximum penalty of a $5,000 fine and up to 364 days in jail for first time offenders. A conviction also carries a two year prohibition from further hunting. Whitetail deer hunted in GMU areas must have a minimum of four antler points on one side measuring one inch or longer.

The hunting of Big Game Animals is enjoyed by many people, but it is important to abide by the rules and regulations when hunting. It is also important to obtain permission from property owners before venturing onto land that is not public. There are many property owners who will allow hunting on their property, but there are also many who do not want hunting on their land. Just because it is hunting season does not mean that property owners do not have the right to control hunting on their land.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy Prosecutor Colin Scott. Mr. Brundage was represented by Glen Slate of Colville.

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