Elk Poacher Sentenced To Probation, Fines

A man who claims he was hunting to feed his family will have to pay a $5,000 fine and spend three years on probation for killing two bull elk in Wind Cave National Park.

27-year-old Henry Martens, Jr., pleaded guilty to one count of poaching before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica Duffy sentenced him Friday. In addition to the fine and probation, Martens must also pay $5,000 in restitution.

Martens and another man, both of Keystone, were drinking when they came upon the elk in Wind Cave National Park on Jan. 31 and killed them. Park rangers saw the two men return the next day for the meat.