Poaching ringleader sent to prison

OLYMPIA – A man described by Washington state Fish and Wildlife officials as the ringleader of a poaching group that called itself “Kill Em All Boyz” has been sentenced to 13 months in prison.

Micky Ray Gordon pleaded guilty last week in Wahkiakum County Superior Court to charges of animal cruelty, illegal hunting with hounds and criminal trespass.

The Longview man was one of four members of the poaching ring to be convicted of wildlife-related offenses.

The group was accused of trespassing on private timber land to poach elk, deer, bobcat and other animals.

Records show the poachers hit five counties in Washington and parts of Oregon and Idaho before undercover Fish and Wildlife officers busted them.