LINCOLN, Neb. – Gov. Pete Ricketts has signed into law a measure that increases liquidated damages levied against persons who violate certain Nebraska game laws by killing, possessing or selling wildlife illegally.

Liquidated damages are assessed by the courts that are in addition to fines imposed for violating the game law. These monies from liquidated damages then are returned to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and credited to the Game Fund.

LB 1008, which was introduced by Sen. Bruce Bostelman, amended Section 37-613 in the statute, increasing liquidated damages as follows:

— $25,000 for each bighorn sheep;

— $10,000 for each bull elk with 12 points or more and $3,000 for any other elk;

— $10,000 for each white-tailed deer of eight points or more with an inside spread between beams of 16 inches or more, $2,000 for any other antlered white-tailed deer, and $500 for any antlerless white-tailed deer;

— $10,000 for each mule deer of eight points or more with an inside spread between beams of 22 inches or more, and $2,000 for any other mule deer;

— $5,000 for each mountain lion, lynx, bobcat or river otter;

— $500 for each wild turkey;

“We are very pleased that the voices of Nebraska sportsmen and sportswomen were heard with the passing of LB 1008,” said Scott Smathers, executive director of the Nebraska Sportsmen’s Foundation. “This adds a meaningful tool and substantial punishment to the toolbox – in conjunction with the efforts of conservation officers and Wildlife Crimestoppers – that sends the message to prosecutors and judges that Nebraska sportsmen and sportswomen will not tolerate poaching on any level.”

Call Nebraska Wildlife Crimestoppers at 1-800-742-7627 to report game law violations.