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Boisean convicted of illegal guiding

 - STATESMAN STAFF

Published: 08/13/09


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Christopher R. Bentley, 26, was cited for guiding without a valid license and for fishing with a barbed fly on the South Fork of the Boise River, which is closed to all guided fishing.

In early July, officers with the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association were alerted to an Internet advertisement for Bentley's services on Craigslist, according to a press release from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.

Bentley was interviewed and arrested while guiding clients on the South Fork of the Boise in mid-July.

His fishing gear, including a drift boat and fly rod and reel, were seized as evidence.

Bentley appeared before Elmore County Magistrate Judge George Hicks on Aug. 5 and pleaded guilty to guiding without a valid license.

His sentence included:

• $2,000 fine ($1,000 suspended) plus $95 in court costs.

• $57 fine for the barbless hook violation (separate infraction).

• 90 days in jail (88 suspended). Given the option, Bentley chose 40 hours of community service instead of the two days in jail.

• Two-year fishing and hunting license suspension.

• Two years of unsupervised probation.

• $1,365 in reimbursement to the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association for case expenses.

• Forfeiture of his fishing rod and reel. The drift boat was returned to Bentley's father, who held legal title to the boat.

Because Idaho is a member of the Wildlife Violator Compact, Bentley will be unable to legally fish or hunt in 30 other states during his license revocation period.

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