A former Sitka police officer has pleaded guilty to a wildlife violation, and will pay a $2,000 fine.

Last Friday (4-3-15), 49-year old Daryl Rice pled guilty in District Court to one count of taking big game from a boat in Unit 4, a misdemeanor. Rice was fined $4,500 with $2,000 suspended, and placed on probation for two years.

Rice has had his hunting privileges suspended until March 2017. The rifle he used was seized by troopers. He will be required to take a hunter education class before having his hunting license reinstated.

Rice was hunting with his son in Neva Strait in December 2013 when he was investigated by Fish & Wildlife troopers. He admitted attempting to shoot a deer from his boat. One count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and two counts of making a false statement were subsequently dismissed.

Rice served over 24 years in the Sitka Police Department. He was placed on administrative leave following the Troopers’ investigation. He retired in September, 2014.