NORTH PLATTE, Neb.— The final sentencing for an illegal mule deer hunt has been issued almost 6 years later.

Mark Cooper, 73, of North Platte was sentenced to two years probation, a $5,000 fine, and $15,000 restitution for his role in the illegal 2019 mule deer hunt.

Cooper was also forced to get rid of his mule deer mount that came from the hunt, three additional mule deer taxidermy mounts and antler sets, and several white-tailed deer antlers. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis also ordered Cooper to not hunt, fish, trap, guide, outfit, or associate with anyone engaged in those activities for two years. .

Cooper violated the Lacey Act, which was enacted 125 years ago to prohibit wildlife violations that cross state or international borders.

“Dustin Noble operated a big game guiding and outfitting business from his North Platte residence and provided illegal hunting and guiding services to paying clients, family, and other associates, many from outside the state of Nebraska, between 2015 and 2021,” the U.S District Attorney for Nebraska's office wrote in a news release. “Noble also operated a commercial taxidermy business providing services of converting hides, skins, antlers, and other trophy parts of wildlife into taxidermy mounts.”

Investigators determined Cooper, who was a close associate of Noble, engaged in illegal activity with Noble on multiple occasions including transporting raw hides for Noble Outdoors.

On October 31, 2019 investigators found that Cooper killed a mule deer illegally during archery season and from the road in a pickup truck. Cooper was accompanied by Noble and two clients.

“Under Nebraska state law, hunters are prohibited from possessing firearms or using firearms to hunt deer during the archery season and from shooting from or over a roadway,” according to a news release.

Officials say Cooper also helped in the transport of raw hides in November 2019 across state lines knowing the shipment contained illegally taken wildlife.

20 defendants have been sentenced in this case collectively getting almost 2 years in prison, 15 years probation, 32 years of hunting restrictions, and more than $275,000 in fines and restitutions as well as giving up more than 50 mounts from 27 Noble Outdoors employees.