Man Pleads Guilty to Killing Bald Eagle

Robert Garner Gambill, 91, admitted to killing a bald eagle in Sparta, N.C., and now faces prison time and fines.Photo byMark OlsenonUnsplash

Robert Garner Gambill, 91, of Sparta, North Carolina, appeared in federal court in Charlotte today and pleaded guilty to killing a bald eagle in violation of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, according to the Western District of North Carolina.

According to plea documents and court proceedings, on June 5, 2024, Gambill unlawfully killed a bald eagle near the Farmers Fish Camp Road Bridge in Sparta.

Using a Ruger M77 Mark 2 22-250 rifle with a Nikon Monarch MR31 scope, Gambill aimed at the bald eagle, which was perched in a tree, and shot the federally protected bird, the department states.

After shooting the eagle, Gambill left the scene, abandoning the bird’s carcass by the New River. Two witnesses reported the incident, which led to the recovery of the carcass by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the department says.

A necropsy conducted by the USFWS forensic laboratory confirmed the eagle’s injuries were consistent with a gunshot wound from a high-powered rifle, according to the department.

Gambill pleaded guilty to the unlawful taking of a bald eagle, which carries a potential maximum sentence of one year in prison, a fine of up to $100,000, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. Gambill has already agreed to pay a $9,500 fine.

He was released on bond, and his sentencing date is pending, the department noted.

Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle Protection Act

The law, first enacted in 1940 as the Eagle Protection Act, was designed to protect the bald eagle from extinction and later expanded to include golden eagles.

Under this act, it is illegal to hunt, take, capture, kill, or possess these birds or any part of them, including nests or eggs, without proper authorization from the U.S. Secretary of the Interior.