LANDER – Four defendants pleaded guilty today in the 9th District Circuit Court in Riverton to three of seven charges for a poaching incident that occurred northeast of Hudson on October 15, 2012. They unlawfully killed two bull moose and two cow moose.

The four—Phillip “Rocky” Hurtado, 73, Arapahoe; Phillip “P.J.” Warren, 31, Arapahoe; Sammy Edlund, 30, Gillette; and Danielle Najera, 28, Gillette—all pleaded guilty to one count of taking an antlered moose during a closed season, one count of wanton destruction, and one count of entering closed property without permission.

Each as ordered to pay $7,500 in restitution, and $20,500 in suspended fines. Edlund’s hunting privileges have been revoked for 20 years in Wyoming and 38 states with reciprocity, while Hurtado, Warren, and Najera had their hunting privileges revoked for life.

With credit for time already served, each was sentenced to 360 days jail time. Edlund, Hurtado, and Najera will serve seven days in jail and have 353 days suspended. Warren will serve nine days in jail and have 351 days suspended. Each defendant was also given two years probation. If they violate any law during their probation, they are subject to all suspended penalties.

Jason Hunter, Lander regional wildlife supervisor, said: “this effort would not have been possible without the cooperation of the public, Tribal Fish and Game, the Fremont County Sheriff’s Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Fremont County Prosecutor Ember Oakley was instrumental in the successful prosecution.”

Like several investigations, this investigation started with an anonymous tip. Poaching reports may be made to the “Stop Poaching” 

hotline: 1-877-WGFD-TIP (1-877-943-3847) or 1-307-777-4330 (out-of-state calls only).Violations may also bereported to regional