Five Men Have Been Charged After Night Poaching in Vermont

Posted by admin On January - 27 - 2012

Five men have been charged by the Vermont State Game Wardens in connection with the deer poaching spree that went on the afternoon/evening of Saturday, October 22nd through the morning of Sunday, October 23rd.

A lengthy investigation was conducted, and meat from illegal deer was seized from three different residents that all reside in Bristol Village. There were also several deer hides, electric chainsaw, tools, three rifles, and the head of a 7 point buck that was confiscated. The three rifles used by the poachers were a 30-06, .22, and a 30-30.

Late into Saturday night, the poachers shot 11 times during their chance to jack deer in the Lincoln, Ripton, and Bristol areas. Four deer were confirmed as being killed, the last one was shot on Carlstrom Road at 4:30 Sunday morning. One of the deer was not recovered by the poachers because of landowner intervention.

Several other deer were injured, and of the four confirmed there were a yearling doe, an adult doe, a button horn buck, and a 7 point buck. The poachers were called in by a concerned resident of Lincoln. A person was awakened in their home by the sound of gunshots around 1 in the morning, and then was called in. After this initial call, more people started to call in as suspicions grew.

Not only is this illegal, but it can be dangerous as well. The deer were shot from a pick-up truck using only a spot light, and at times the passenger would sit on the ledge of the truck’s window and shoot up over the roof. Three of the shootings occurred very close to occupied homes that were not protected by backstops for high powered bullets.

Those men involved in the shooting are ordered to appear in court for their arraignment at Addison County Court in Middlebury. They are Steven Clark, Israel Clark, Collin Bell all from Bristol, Adam Josey from Richmond and Dana Lathrop from Florida but formally from Bristol. They are faced with many different charges such as taking big game through illegal measures, possession of deer during closed seasons, locating and spotting deer, and shooting from a moving vehicle.

The fines can be as high as $500 with $1,000 restitution for each of the deer killed. They could also lose their licenses for three years, while also having to take a remedial course before being able to hold a hunting license again.

Anyone who witnesses a Fish and Wildlife crime should report the crime immediately to the Game Warden. This can be done by calling the state police dispatch or by dialing the toll free number – 1-800-75ALERT (1-800-752-5378).