Raymond Reisig of Mitchell, Neb., was recently convicted of killing a bald eagle in October of 2002.

Reisig was sentenced to two years probation and fined $3,000 plus $1,000 restitution, with the fine to be distributed equally to the Riverside Zoo in Scottsbluff to fund raptor rehabilitation, the non-game fund of Nebraska Game and Parks and a raptor rehabilitation program in Lincoln.

Reisig was convicted of killing an American bald eagle at his trial on June 4, 2004, where witnesses testified that the Mitchell area resident used a shotgun to kill a bald eagle perched on a fence post near his house.

Conservation officer Jim Zimmerman was joined by U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service special agent Mike Damico in the nearly two-year investigation that followed the incident.

Killing a bald eagle can result in up to one year in prison and a $5,000 fine.

The $1,000 restitution is to be distributed to the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Lacey Act reward fund. The Lacey Act generally prohibits the interstate transportation of illegally killed wildlife.

Reisig was directed to forfeit the shotgun used to kill the eagle and was directed to liquidate assets sufficient to pay the fine and restitution.

While on probation, he is prohibited from all hunting, fishing and trapping activities and is required by the court to participate in a victim-witness awareness program.