In December of 2020, IDNR Conservation Police Officers Johnson and Knop received information that Kalyn Chemin unlawfully harvested a 205-inch 18-point buck without a permit in Hamilton County. IDNR records verified Kalyn didn’t purchase a deer permit. Further investigation identified Kalyn’s father; Lyle Chemin was involved with the unlawful take. Additionally, Kalyn’s brother Lawson Chemin and Kenneth Fancher were found to have committed multiple wildlife violations. The five hunters, all from Mississippi, were charged with illegally taking twenty-three deer and seven turkeys. They recently took a plea agreement in Hamilton County Court. Lyle Chemin, Kalyn Chemin, Lawson Chemin, and Kenneth Fancher agreed to fines and civil penalties totaling $110,600. $99,500 of the penalties have been awarded directly to the Conservation Police Operations fund. All firearms, crossbows, and unlawfully harvested animals were seized and forfeited to IDNR. The 205-inch 18-point buck was determined to have been taken unlawfully and the mount is currently on display in the Hamilton Co. State’s Attorney’s Office.
IDNR Conservation Police would like to thank the US Fish and Wildlife Agency, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife for their assistance with this case. A special thank you from IDNR Conservation Police is extended to Hamilton County State’s Attorney Justin Hood for his continued support and excellent prosecution of wildlife cases.
