Man Attacked After Confession Airs On Reality Show

WILLOWS, Calif. (CBS13) -- A man who appeared on a National Geographic reality show was the victim of a number of attacks after his confession aired on TV.

Cameras follow every move of California Fish & Game Wardens in the show "Wild Justice," but a recent episode that drew 3 million viewers has been yanked from the air.

Last Wednesday, the show clearly displayed authorities' investigation into Willows resident Christopher Fisher for possible poaching. Wardens said the father of two -- with a baby on the way -- had been killing deer illegally across three counties.

Fisher was no longer allowed to hunt, but wardens showed him pictures that allegedly proved he had. Wardens offered him a deal to avoid jail time for violating probation and a court order, and Fisher gave in.

"Alright, I'm just gonna snitch, it's either that or prison," the episode showed him saying.

With cameras rolling, Fisher named other suspected poachers in his area of Glenn County.

When promotional commercials for the show began airing, officers say a group of men beat Fisher with a two-by-four and his family began receiving death threats.

Once the episode aired in its entirety, his car was set on fire outside his apartment complex.

Fisher says he signed a form thinking he was telling National Geographic not to show his face, but no efforts were made to conceal his identity.

"National Geographic has taken the episode off the air," said Fish & Game Warden Patrick Foy.

National Geographic issued a statement, saying, "We are terribly sorry to hear of the recent attack on Mr. Fisher… Whether or not these events are related is currently the subject of an active police investigation."

The Department of Fish & Game says the overall response to the show has been positive and has proved valuable as a deterrent to illegal hunters.