Springs Man Sentenced in Poaching Incident

LAMAR – A fifty-year-old Colorado Springs man was sentenced in Prowers County on Oct. 23 for numerous wildlife violations. The conviction of Jay Beaman was the result of an investigation by Colorado Parks and Wildlife that took place in Prowers, Cheyenne, Kiowa and El Paso counties. The District Attorney’s office initially charged Beaman with eight counts, including two felonies. The charges were reduced with a plea deal.

“This whole case began with a call from a person in the field who noticed a man hunting deer while not wearing the required blaze orange garments,” said Kevin Mahan, a district wildlife manager in Lamar for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “This shows the importance of people calling in even small wildlife violations. In this case, what started out as a small violation, turned into numerous wildlife violations.”

Beaman pled guilty to felony willful destruction of wildlife, illegal possession of a trophy class whitetail deer, and hunting without a proper and valid license. These illegal activities occurred near Holly, Colo., on Dec. 5, 2012. Beaman was ordered by the Court to pay fines in the amount of $10,637.50 and will serve two years on probation. During the probation period, the Court ruled that Beaman will not be allowed to hunt or be around hunting in any way.

“While penalties could have been more severe, the most important aspect of this conviction is that this individual will no longer be participating in hunting related activities while on probation or possibly for life if suspended by the Parks and Wildlife Commission,” Mahan said. “The Prowers District Attorney’s Office did a great job on this case and worked with us to achieve this plea.”

Beaman still faces a suspension hearing process through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission. He faces a possible lifetime suspension of his hunting and fishing privileges in Colorado as well as 38 other states that are part of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact.

If you suspect that a wildlife crime is being committed, note the location and, if possible, get a description of people and vehicles. Call local law enforcement or Colorado Parks and Wildlife as soon as possible. You can also call Operation Game Thief at 1-877-265-6648. Callers contacting the OGT line can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward if the information leads to a citation or arrest.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife manages 42 state parks, more than 300 state wildlife areas, all of Colorado’s wildlife, and a variety of outdoor recreation. For more information go to cpw.state.co.us.

For more news about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us/NewsMedia/PressReleases

For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.