June 14, 2010
Hunter Busted For Baiting Bighorns With Salt Man Admitted Putting Out Salt Blocks, Spreading Granular Salt
LA PLATA COUNTY, Colo. — A Colorado man has pleaded guilty to putting out salt as bait to attract Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep.
Dave Hall, 52, of La Pata County, Colo., pleaded guilty to one count of misdemeanor baiting and was fined $156.50. He also was placed on probation for one year and his hunting privileges have been suspended for one year.
Baiting big game wildlife in Colorado is illegal.
Hall admitted to spreading more than 1,000 pounds of salt during the last two years in at least four areas northeast of Vallecito Reservoir, according to the a news release from the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Hall reportedly told wildlife officers that he placed salt blocks and spread granular salt in numerous areas because he believed the bighorns needed extra nutrition.
Hall did not have a hunting license for that area and said that he did not guide hunters or receive any money for his actions.