memphismason

This is crazy!

Trophy deer head brought to court as hunter charged with illegal killing » The Commercial Appeal SOMERVILLE, Tenn. — It's not every day that the frozen head of a whitetail deer is brought into the General Sessions courtroom of the Fayette County Justice Center. But it happened Tuesday morning as Ricky Williams of Mason, Tenn., faced Judge Mike Whitaker on charges of illegally killing one of the largest deer ever taken in Tennessee. The head of the gigantic Fayette County buck, which was partially covered with a black plastic garbage bag, scored 204 points on the national Boone & Crockett antler scoring system. If it had been taken legally, it would have qualified for ninth on the state's all-time harvest list. Williams, who is charged with hunting over a baited area, hunting without a license and illegal possession of a firearm during the archery season, could not reach a plea agreement; his case now goes to a grand jury. The deer's head and 24-point antler rack were brought to the courtroom at the request of Whitaker, who admonished Williams from the bench. "Hunting over a baited field is one of the most offensive violations a hunter can commit," said Whitaker, referring to the illegal practice of using corn to lure wild game repeatedly to the same area. Matthew Armour, Williams' attorney, began the proceedings by telling Whitaker of a proposed plea agreement between his client and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. But it proved a tough sell with the animal's head just a few feet away. Under the proposed agreement, Williams would have pleaded guilty to hunting in a baited area and possession of a firearm during the archery deer season. The charge of hunting without a license would have been dismissed. He would have paid $1,000 restitution while forfeiting his firearm and various other hunting accessories to the state. He also would have lost his hunting privileges for two years. Armour argued that the plea agreement was fair because there has been no allegation that Williams used the illegal firearm to kill the deer. He said it was killed with a crossbow, a weapon that has been legal during Tennessee's archery deer season for several years. Whitaker was not satisfied with the terms of the agreement. "I would not accept an agreement without at least a five-year suspension of hunting privileges," Whitaker said. Williams left the courtroom to speak with his attorney after hearing Whitaker's decision on the proposal and returned 30 minutes later, asking that the case be bound over to a grand jury. A handful of Tennessee conservation officers were present, including Bubba Spencer, Ty Inmon and Ray McMillen, who carried the deer's head and antler rack into the courtroom. They agreed that such an impressive deer deserved a better ending. "Whatever happens, it's really a shame that a deer like this had to be killed illegally," Spencer said. The deer's head created a buzz in the courtroom, and several people asked the officers to stop for pictures as they carried it out. Inmon, who has helped make numerous high-profile cases against Fayette County game violators during the past year, said the deer had great potential if it had lived another season or two. "This is just a 31/2 -year-old deer, and most people will tell you they don't reach their potential until they're 51/2 years old," Inmon said. "It could have been a state record two years from now or even next year. It's a shame to see it go down this way.

Allow non-citizens the right to vote??? No way, Jose! You see what I did there?

Congrats Man!!!!!

It was 79 degrees outside at 6:00am this morning with High winds. We have a storm coming through. It felt weird out this morning.

Now why is that? He violated forum rules. I didn't see anything that he posted that was out of the way! That's nice. MM.. did he say something to you in a private message.. where it should be? Nope. I haven't had any communications with him, other than general public banter on the forums, since the last Memphis meet. Did you ban him because of that? Why would you ASSUME that I banned him? Nothing points to that conclusion. I just let the Memphis members know what was going on since Jack was the guy that "organized" our monthly meets. Is this a Shoot the messenger type scenario?

We got a good storm today in Cordova.

The General Manager of Logan's Wolfchase called me Wednesday night. I didn't answer because it was an number that I didn't recognize and we had company over the house. He left a message with his office number and cell phone number (which was the number he called from) and asked me to give him a call back. I called today and got his voice-mail so I left him a message to call me back.

nevertheless, they can kiss my arse. Screw them and their $640 first year fee.

I plan on being at Range USA on Sunday the 24th a 1:00, so I hope to see you all there.

I love Halloween. It is always a good time. Not evil IMHO

lol

That is awesome. Glad you shared it with us.

My name is Jason Here I am pondering the world's problems. On the beach in Destin Florida this past summer. Bang Bang The Family and I And Here I am throwing some clays for a friend.

My thoughts exactly.

ok, gotcha

+1

On Saturday the 23rd?

Brick and Mortar for me

The lady I spoke with at the Health Department was very rude over the phone, but that is what I expected. She said "We will send someone out there. Thanks" I think I am going to get my wife to call also.

I just reported them to the Health Department, about an hour ago.

Thanks. I just posted there too. My3cents.com - Logan's Roadhouse Complaint - Just Say No To Logan's Roadhouse, Roaches and Horrible Service

Jack is no longer a member on TGO. The meet is still on for all that want to attend.