Ill. man pleads guilty to federal wildlife charges

SPRINGFIELD — A professional duck hunter and guide has pleaded guilty to federal wildlife charges in connection with the sale of illegal guided hunts.

Jeffrey Foiles of Pleasant Hill entered the plea Thursday in Springfield.

The U.S. Justice Department says Foiles violated the Lacey Act, which makes it illegal to knowingly transport or sell wildlife taken in violation of federal law or regulation.

According to the plea agreement, from 2003 to 2007, Foiles sold and guided waterfowl hunts that exceeded hunters' individual daily bag limits. He's also accused of falsifying records to hide the excesses.

The Fallin' Skies Strait Meat Duck Club in Pike County, which operates Foiles' hunting club, also pleaded guilty.

Prosecutors and defense attorneys are seeking a 13-month prison term for Foiles when he's sentenced on Sept. 21.