Five Plead Guilty in Hamlin County Poaching Case Involving 44 Wildlife Violations
- Steve Jurrens
- Jul 10
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Hamlin County, SD - A major poaching investigation launched after a TIPS hotline report has resulted in five individuals from four states pleading guilty to 44 misdemeanor wildlife violations, according to South Dakota Turn In Poachers (TIPS).
The case began on Oct. 26, 2025, when a landowner discovered three headless white‑tailed buck carcasses in rural Hamlin County. Wildlife Conservation Officers from Hamlin and Clark Counties confirmed the deer had been illegally killed with a high‑powered rifle during a closed season and discarded without any meat removed.
Investigation Uncovers Multi‑State Poaching Operation
Following the initial report, additional public tips helped officers identify a South Carolina man responsible for multiple unlawful deer kills and the disposal of deer heads. Search warrants executed on Jan. 10, 2026, led to the seizure of firearms, a compound bow, and blood evidence tied to the crimes. The primary suspect was booked into the Codington County Detention Center, and interviews with other involved individuals expanded the case.
Officers determined that five deer were illegally taken at night using firearms or a bow, with the suspect shooting from a pickup and using headlights to locate the animals. Three deer were decapitated and left behind. Two of the heads were later recovered after being hidden in a tree belt.
The investigation also uncovered evidence of additional deer being shot at or wounded but not recovered, along with illegal harvest of waterfowl and small‑game species.
Case Outcomes
A total of 44 misdemeanor charges were filed — 16 Class 1 misdemeanors and 28 Class 2 misdemeanors — resulting in the following penalties:
South Carolina Individual
· 29 misdemeanor charges
· $2,729 criminal fines
· $10,000 civil fines
· One‑year prohibition on possessing firearms or ammunition
· Three‑year hunting privilege revocation
· Forfeiture of a 6.5 Creedmoor rifle, .380 pistol, and Matthews bow
Michigan Individual
· Six misdemeanor charges
· $600 criminal fines
· One‑year hunting privilege revocation
South Dakota Individual
· Four misdemeanor charges
· $847.50 criminal fines
· Three‑year hunting privilege revocation
New Hampshire Individual
· Four misdemeanor charges
· $930 criminal fines
· One‑year hunting privilege revocation
Second South Dakota Individual
· One misdemeanor charge (resolved through plea agreement)
Note – The names were not released in the media statement. NRSD News has reached out for further information.
Public Tips Played a Critical Role
South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks thanked residents for reporting suspicious activity, noting that TIPS submissions remain essential for protecting wildlife and holding violators accountable.
Information on reporting poaching or wildlife crimes is available through the South Dakota Turn In Poachers (TIPS) hotline.
