Ellis County Poachers Sentenced

 Four hunters were sentenced Wednesday for violating the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act when they took more than 260 mourning doves during a hunt in western Kansas.

According to U.S attorney Barry Grissom’s Office, each of the four pleaded guilty to one count of violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act by exceeding the daily bag limit for mourning doves. They were sentenced to two years unsupervised probation, a $1,000 fine and $1,000 in restitution. In addition, they are prohibited from hunting, fishing, trapping or accompanying others during those activities for two years.

Sentenced were:

Harold C. Amrein, 59, Ellis, Kan.
Randy L. Amrein, 38, Fremont, Neb.
Morris H. Russell, 48, Omaha, Neb.
Tyrel S. Simpson, 33, Council Bluffs, Iowa

In their pleas, they admitted the crimes took place Sept. 2, 2014, in Ellis County during a hunt in the opening weekend of dove season. Following the hunt, a warden with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism found them in possession of more than 260 mourning doves. The daily bag limit for mourning doves is 15.