A federal judge has ordered the shutdown of a Williamson County duck hunting club for two years after the owner pleaded guilty to illegally baiting hunting fields.
Hugh Thomas Burns, Jr., 67, of Carbondale, admitted in federal court to one count of conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act by selling wildlife in violation of federal law. Burns is the sole owner of Burns Hunting Club, LLC, which offered memberships and guided migratory bird hunts.
According to court documents, Burns and co-defendant Michael D. McKinney, 52, of Benton, were involved in baiting hunting fields with corn to illegally attract migratory birds for paying clients. The conspiracy took place in January 2021.
As part of the sentence, the court ordered the closure of Burns Hunting Club for two years. Burns and his business were also ordered to pay $11,000 in fines to the Lacey Act Reward Account, as well as $50,000 in restitution to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).
Burns received two years of probation and is prohibited from hunting or providing guiding services during that time.
“This court’s order to close this club demonstrates our commitment to protecting ethical and legal hunting practices,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “Baiting a duck hunting landscape is akin to other forms of illegal poaching, which disadvantages honest hunters and violates federal law.”
McKinney, who also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act, was sentenced to two years’ probation, fined $5,500, and ordered to pay $5,000 in restitution. He is also barred from hunting or guiding for two years.
“Baiting is a serious violation that undermines fair chase principles and can harm wildlife populations,” said Jed Whitchurch, Director of the IDNR Office of Law Enforcement. “Conservation laws are designed to protect our natural resources and ensure ethical and sustainable hunting practices for future generations.”
Assistant Director Douglas Ault of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service praised the outcome, calling it “an important victory for waterfowl hunters everywhere” and a clear message to poachers.
The investigation also led to the seizure of a Chevrolet 2500 HD truck and a UTV used in the illegal activity. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Sanders, with assistance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and IDNR, including support from Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge.
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