NEW MARKET, TENN. - A Jefferson County man's decision to illegally kill a big buck meant a hefty fine under recently changed legislation.
 
Clarence Robertson, 63, of New Market was ordered this week to pay nearly $10,000 for the trophy buck he illegally shot from his driveway.
 
According to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Robertson shot the 11-point buck from his driveway and across Piedmont Road in a hayfield where he did not have permission on Nov. 24. He then drove his truck into the field to retrieve the deer.
On Tuesday, Robertson pleaded guilty to shooting a deer across a public road and on property where he didn't have permission.
 
The judge imposed a $50 fine, $269 in court costs, and a restitution of $9,250 for the trophy buck. 

Recently amended legislation allows for a judge to impose enhanced restitution fees for illegally killed or possessed trophy deer. For white-tailed deer with at least eight, but not more than 10 antler points, the fine is $1,000 per animal, plus $500 for each antler point.  For a white-tailed deer with 11 or more antler points, the fine is $1,000 per animal plus $750 for each antler point.
TWRA wildlife biologist Sterling Daniels measured the antlers, giving it a gross score of 143 6/8 inches.

“It is probably the biggest buck I’ve ever seen in Jefferson County,” said Jefferson County wildlife officer Wayne Rich.
While the total score of the antlers didn't matter, the number of antler points did, the TWRA release said.  
Robertson’s hunting privileges are suspended until he pays the fines and restitution.

Authorities returned the firearm to the owner.
The Jefferson County High School FFA Hunters for the Hungry Club paid for the deer to be processed and donated the meat to charity.  Authorities returned the hide and antlers to the property owner where the deer was killed.  (story Linky)

Idiot.

Good. Idiot needs to follow the law

Karma baby!

ive seen huge deer on other peoples property. ive never thought about shooting them. dumbassss

Got what he deserved for being so stupid. Heres your sign

The more lease prices go up the more you will see illegal harvesting of deer. To the average guy deer hunting is becoming unattainable. Doesn't mean it's right but it is a reality unfortunately.

What an idiot...

Plenty of people with that mentality around my land. They kill deer all year.

I've got no use for a poacher, a trespasser, or a thief.

LOL, man fined 10K after shooting across a public roadway to poach a deer on property where he had no permission to hunt and then trespassing with his vehicle to get it, but apparently they didn't get him on the trespassing aspect. Plus, it sounds like he got off pretty easy in that they gave him his gun back and he can get his hunting privileges back as soon as the fine is paid off.

Sounds like he got off pretty easy.

I agree.

x3. damn lucky he got his gun back, truck back, will get huntin privy back when paid up... Lucky he didn't get federal offenses. Landowner was lucky to received the rack. What an idiot GEEEEZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Could have bought a nice high fence deer for that much