Father, son sentenced for transporting deer antlers across state line

An Atlanta father and son were sentenced in federal court Tuesday for transporting deer antlers across state lines.

According to U.S. Attorney David Nahmias and information presented in court, last November Fred Hand, III, 54, and his son Fred Hand, IV, 24, used a rifle to shoot and kill a whitetail deer during Colorado’s archery-only season, which is a violation of state law. The Hands then transported the antlers of the seven-point buck to Georgia, a violation of a federal law called the Lacey Act. The Lacey Act, enacted in 1900, was passed to assist states in enforcing wildlife laws.

Those who violate state wildlife laws “undermine the proud tradition of fair chase for all hunters,” said James Gale, of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in a press release.

The Hands pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of illegally transporting a whitetail deer from Colorado to Georgia.

They were sentenced Tuesday in U.S. Magistrate Court in Atlanta to pay a fine of $10,000 to the Lacey Act Reward Account, and restitution in the amount of $5,000, payable to the State of Colorado’s Division of Wildlife, according to Nahmias’ office. The Hands were also placed on probation for two years, and forfeited their right to hunt in 22 Western states.