A Pocatello man has been sentenced to 45 days in jail, $21,450 in fines and restitution and 10 years probation for poaching, plus he’s lost his hunting and fishing privileges for life. Russell D. Mee, 53, was sentenced for illegal killing and wasting of deer, after poaching at least three deer in Arbon Valley in 2007. If he violates the probation, which requires him not to accompany anyone engaged in hunting, fishing or trapping and not to possess any wild animal or parts, he’d be ordered to serve a full 10 years in prison. “I think this sentence sends a message to would-be poachers: If you choose to steal animals from the people of the state of Idaho and are caught, it could have a significant negative impact on the rest of your life,” said Idaho Fish & Game conservation officer Scott Wright. Mee was sentenced by 6th District Judge Peter McDermott for the Power County offense.

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