WA: hunter reportedly a convicted felon
Judge to decide fate of man who shot deer
By Kristin M. Kraemer, Herald staff writer
A Sunnyside man said he wants a judge to decide his guilt or
innocence on allegations he killed a buck deer out of season, then
trespassed to retrieve the animal and dress it out.
Theodore J. Hoptowit, 38, waived his right to a jury trial.
A judge will hear testimony starting Oct. 13.
According to court documents, Hoptowit shot the buck Nov. 3 from
Crooks Road in Benton County, then drove onto the property without the
owner's permission.
He admitted the shooting to state wildlife officials, claiming treaty
rights, documents said. But prosecutors argue the land was clearly
privately owned because the field was cultivated and harvested for
wheat.
Hoptowit reportedly is a convicted felon and used a rifle in the
killing.
He is charged with second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm,
second-degree unlawful hunting of big game and second-degree criminal
trespass.
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