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Burns Hunting Club, LLC, must close for two years for using corn to attract migratory birds to the property. (Photo by Liz Albro Photography)

An Illinois judge ordered a duck hunting club to close for two years after the owner admitted to a federal charge of illegal baiting.

According to WPSD Local 6, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois announced the judge’s order concerning the duck hunting club in Williamson County.

As sole owner of Burns Hunting Club, LLC., Hugh Thomas Burns, Jr., 67, of Carbondale, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act by sale of wildlife in violation of federal law.

Court documents reveal that the hunting club sold memberships and provided paid guiding services on its property to migratory bird hunters. Burns's co-defendant — 52-year-old Michael D. McKinney, of Benton — admitted to distributing corn to attract migratory birds to the club’s property.

According to the attorney’s office, the pair conspired together to bring guided hunts to blinds near the baited areas in January 2021.

“Hunting and fishing are cherished traditions in Southern Illinois, and our office stands firmly behind sportsmen and women who enjoy those activities,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “But let’s be real: baiting a duck hunting landscape is like other forms of illegal poaching, which disadvantages honest hunters and violates federal law. The district court’s order to close this club demonstrates a commitment to protecting ethical and legal hunting practices.”

The judge’s order requires that Burns, and Burns Hunting Club, LLC, must pay $11,000 in fines to the Lacey Act Reward Account through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as well as $50,000 in restitution to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

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The judge also sentenced Burns to two years of probation and barred him from hunting or providing guiding services for the duration of the probation.

The judge sentenced McKinney to two years’ probation and ordered him to pay $5,500 in fines and $5,000 in restitution after he pleaded guilty in April to one count of conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act by sale of wildlife in violation of federal law. He is also prohibited from hunting and guiding for two years.

The government also seized a Chevrolet 2500 HD truck and a UTV that was used in the conspiracy.

“Baiting is a serious violation that undermines the principles of fair chase and can negatively impact wildlife populations. Conservation laws are in place to protect natural resources and ensure that the pursuit of wildlife is conducted ethically and sustainably for future generations to enjoy,” said Jed Whitchurch, director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Office of Law Enforcement. “I encourage anyone aware of baiting violations in Illinois to come forward with tips. It’s every individual’s responsibility to understand these laws and abide by them.”

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources helped investigate the case while Assistant U.S. Attorney David Sanders prosecuted.

“Keeping quality hunting opportunities on the landscape is an essential part of America's heritage that we are proud to uphold. This case is an important win for waterfowl hunters everywhere and puts poachers on notice," said Assistant Director Douglas Ault, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement.