Nebraska man pleads guilty to having too many trout

LINCOLN - A Valentine man pled guilty Monday to being in possession of more than 200 trout that he caught near his home in northern Nebraska.

Timothy Bare, 53, pled guilty in Cherry County Court to possessing more than the legal limit of trout and possession of undersized largemouth bass. Even though the legal possession limit is eight, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission officers and Valentine police officers seized 249 trout from Bare's home last year. Bare was assessed $600 in fines, $48 in court costs and $5,875 in liquidated damages. His hunting and fishing privileges in Nebraska were also revoked for one year.

An investigation began Sept. 13, 2009, when Valentine police officers contacted state conservation officer Frank Miller about some fish found in a dumpster. The investigation led to Bare's home and a search of a freezer in his garage. Officers seized 249 trout, five undersized largemouth bass, two perch, a channel catfish, a bluegill, seven salmon steaks and a package of processed wild game.

Possession limit in Nebraska is defined as the total number of fish or game that a person may have in his or her physical control or storage.

"This case is a good example of cooperation and good rapport between different law enforcement officers and agencies," Miller said.

Citizens may report game-law violations to Nebraska Wildlife Crimestoppers by calling 1-800-742-7627. The call will remain anonymous and the caller may be eligible for a cash reward.