The state teacher licensing board has voted to reprimand a Valley City math and science teacher convicted in what officials called a landmark case involving illegal trapping.

The Education Standards and Practices Board voted this week to reprimand Alvin Schumacher, a math and earth sciences teacher at Barnes County North School District.

Schumacher was sentenced to 18 months probation in August for illegally trapping an estimated 100 migratory birds. His hunting privileges were suspended and he was ordered to repay $20,000.

"If we don't take some kind of disciplinary action, we dismiss the case," said board member Neil Nordquist of Minot. "He's been convicted of a pretty serious (offense)."

Schmacher pleaded guilty in June to seven counts involving killing or transporting migratory birds. Officials said a three-year investigation found pole-trapping, the practice of putting leg hold traps on fence posts to illegally kill birds that naturally perch there.

The Education Standards and Practices board got letters from administrators and fellow teachers, praising Schumacher's teaching.

"I think a letter of reprimand is fine. But I don't think we should take his license away," said Angela Korsmo of West Fargo, who represents school boards on the state board.

- Associated Press