Dubose gets deferred sentence for poaching

MEEKER — A former Meeker outfitter was sentenced Dec. 5 in Rio Blanco County District Court for poaching violations.
Wes Dubose, who reportedly has moved to Grand Junction, operated Purple Sage Outfitters, said Randy Hampton, public information officer for the Colorado Division of Wildlife’s northwest region.
“The investigation centered around that Dubose had taken clients onto public land while the clients had private-land only licenses,” Hampton said. “Therefore, any animals taken on public land with private-land only licenses are illegal.”
Hampton said Dubose pleaded guilty to illegal sale of wildlife, a felony, and received a two-year deferred sentence and probation, and a $1,000 fine.
Other charges against Dubose were illegal possession of an elk, a $1,370 fine, and 15 suspension points; and hunting elk without a license, a $1,436 fine and 15 suspension points, Hampton said.
Dubose was also required to make a $6,000 donation to Operation Game Thief, an anonymous hotline for hunting violations. The violations by Dubose occurred in October 2007, Hampton said.
“He (Dubose) was not a licensed outfitter at the time, his license had lapsed,” Hampton said. “There were six individuals charged, Dubose being one of them.”