Colorado man gets probation for illegally killing mule deer in Nebraska

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – A Colorado man was given probation for the illegal killing of a mule deer in Nebraska, the U.S. Attorney’s Office says.

Michael Ban, 50, was sentenced in Lincoln on Friday to two years of probation for the unlawful transportation of wildlife in interstate commerce.

U.S. District Judge John Gerrard also ordered Ban to pay a $5,000 fine and another $4,000 in restitution.  He is also prohibited from hunting for one year.

In September 2019, Ban went to Nebraska to take part in an archery mule deer hunt, the attorney’s office said.

During a hunt in Lincoln County, Ban shot a deer without a valid permit and after hunting hours.

The day after the hunt, Ban bought an archery deer permit in an attempt to cover up the illegal killing.

In Nebraska, hunters are required to possess a valid permit and habitat stamp prior to hunting or taking mule deer, according to the attorney’s office.

Ban had also taken a taxidermy trophy back to his Colorado home, which is a violation of the Lacey Act.