Colorado man sentenced to probation for poaching, selling mountain lion to hunter

A Colorado man was sentenced to two years of probation following a multi-year investigation from the Parks and Wildlife department into his illegal hunting practices.

Andrew Pashley, 35, pleaded guilty to felony illegal possession and sale of a mountain lion for the purpose of hunting, the Colorado Department of Parks and Wildlife said Thursday.

The agency announced his guilty plea and sentencing in a press release this week.

{mosads}Pashley and a hunter with whom he did business were convicted last month, with Pashley pleading guilty to illegal possession of a mountain lion and illegal sale of big game. A large amount of equipment and a vehicle used by Pashley in an illegal outfitting business was also seized by state authorities.

“We investigate crimes like this both to protect the wildlife of the state, but also to protect the interests of legal and ethical hunters and outfitters in the state,” said a spokesman for CPW.

“Illegal and unethical actions like what Mr. Pashley participated in put a black eye on hunters, outfitters and houndsmen. Pashley’s actions are those of a poacher, not a hunter, and it is good to bring somebody like Pashley to justice,” he added.

Under state law, Pashley is eligible for a lifetime suspension of his hunting and trapping privileges in the state, in addition to the suspension he received from the judge. That punishment, if levied, will be determined at a later date.

“We have a strong heritage in Colorado of hunting, fishing and trapping. That is what pays for wildlife conservation, but only when it is done right,” added CPW in the release.