JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – If you’re caught poaching in the state of Missouri, you can now expect a much larger fine.

This comes after the Missouri House passed legislation Tuesday night.

The bill’s sponsor, Jered Taylor from Nixa, told KOLR10 last year that current law doesn’t deter hunters from poaching, because the fines are too small.

Now, they may think twice before pulling the trigger.

House Bill 260 ramps up those fines significantly.

Poaching includes killing, transporting, or disposing of certain wildlife.

Hunters can be charged up to $15,000 for each bear or elk killed illegally, up to $12,000 for deer, and $1,000 for turkeys.

The bill overwhelmingly passed, and now goes to the governor to be signed.