Rancher To Pay Fine
For Protecting Feed

CASPER, Wyo. — A Meeteetse rancher claims he was just trying to protect his livelihood when he killed nine elk near his ranch almost two years ago. State officials admit he was right, but he will pay a stiff penalty anyway.

Martin Thomas, 46, struck a deal last week and pleaded no contest to nine counts of wanton destruction of big game. Sheridan County Judge John Sampson sentenced him to a year's probation, a $2720 fine and the loss of his hunting privileges for two years.

The owner of the 91 Ranch argued in court that Wyoming's Game and Fish Department failed to carry out its duties by allowing the elk to threaten his operation.

He shot the eight cows and one bull because they were eating his cattle's winter feed and threatening to infect his cattle with brucellosis, he maintained.

Thomas said he continues to work with Game and Fish for better management of the elk through hunting.

"There still needs to be a solution," he said.

State biologists concede the number of elk wintering near Thomas' ranch is too high. Wildlife managers last fall issued extra hunting licenses and extended the season along the elk migration route leading there.