ND ranchers lose Supreme Court appeal

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The North Dakota Supreme Court will not let two ranchers tell juries why they shot deer on their land without tags and outside of hunting season.

The Bismarck Tribune says the North Dakota Supreme Court sided unanimously on Wednesday with South Central District judges in saying deer are big-game animals, not fur bearers, and state law doesn't allow fur bearers shot due to depredation of crops and property.

The Court ruled Bill Dethloff, of Burleigh County, should have another day in court to determine restitution. A district judge earlier sentenced him to one year in prison with all but four days suspended and $8,500 in restitution.

Harlan Kleppe, of Kidder County, received a one-year deferred sentence and fines and fees.

They both pleaded guilty with the option to appeal.

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Information from: Bismarck Tribune, http://www.bismarcktribune.com

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