Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, January 15, 1995                   TAG: 9501170061
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: MATT CHITTUM STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

MAN CHARGED WITH SELLING VENISON

Timothy Lee Belcher, 32, whose plant is in Figsboro, is one of 50 or 60 meat processors in the state who participate in the Hunters for the Hungry program, according to Lt. Karl Martin of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. The program takes deer meat donated by hunters, pays to have it professionally processed and distributes it to food banks.

Belcher was the target of a two-month sting operation, Martin said. Acting on an anonymous tip, Game and Inland Fisheries Sgt. R.B. Henry bought deer meat from Belcher on several occasions. Henry arrested Belcher without incident while Belcher was chopping wood in Franklin County, according to Martin.

``There's quite a large black market for game in Virginia,'' Martin said. ``It's not an everyday occurrence when an arrest is made, because the investigations are often lengthy.''

As a participant in Hunters for the Hungry, Belcher was allowed to process venison that was donated, and he was reimbursed for his time and labor. But buying or selling wild game is illegal in Virginia. The charge becomes a class six felony when sales total more than $200 in a 90-day period.

Martin would not comment on whether the meat Belcher was selling was intended for the poor.

Martin said he's concerned that Belcher's arrest will cast the Hunters for the Hungry program in a bad light. He said his department promotes hunting ethics and education.

``The commercialization of wildlife gives all hunters a black eye,'' he said.

Belcher could receive one to five years in jail and a $2,500 fine, according to Martin. Belcher was released Friday on bond and is scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday in Franklin County General District Court.