VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Three men face a number of misdemeanor citations for their involvement in the illegal taking of big game throughout Barnes County stemming from several incidents dating back to October of 2019, which involved seven whitetail deer.
Jakob Ashline of Valley City is facing seven counts of violation of protection of big game animals, seven counts of hunting big game without a license, three counts of using artificial light in the taking of big game and three counts of tampering with physical evidence. A warrant was issued for his arrest.
Payne Drake of Valley City is facing eight counts of aiding in concealment of big game unlawfully taken or possessed and one count of tampering with physical evidence. His initial court appearance is set for October 5th.
Ryan Rudolph of Spiritwood is facing three counts of violation of protection of big game animals, one count of tampering with physical evidence, one count of providing false information to law enforcement and one count of hunting big game without a license. A warrant was issued for his arrest.
Barnes County State’s Attorney Tonya Duffy said the three men were cited on Monday, September 21st. She said the maximum punishment for an A misdemeanor in North Dakota is 360 days in jail, a fine of $3,000, or both and for a B Misdemeanor, the maximum punishment is 30 days in jail, a fine of $1,500, or both.
President of the Barnes County Wildlife Federation Perry Kapaun said, “This crime goes against everything that outdoors men and women and Barnes County Wildlife Federation stand for.”
More details about these citations stemming from this 11 month investigation are listed below in the criminal documents provided to NewsDakota.com by the Barnes County State Attorney’s Office.
