January deer killings bring poaching charges for 3 men.

[Big D]

http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2010 ... arges-for/

By Michelle McNiel
World staff writer
Thursday, March 18, 2010

WENATCHEE — Three men have been charged with illegally killing four deer south of Cashmere in late January, including a Western Washington man who was going through the process of becoming a state-certified master hunter.

The men are accused of killing the deer in Fairview Canyon, a wintering ground for mule deer. Hunting season for the deer ended in September.

Three does were believed to be pregnant.

Kenneth R. McGraw of Leavenworth was charged March 8 in Chelan County District Court with five counts of second-degree unlawful hunting big game. Joe V. Ells of East Wenatchee was charged with four counts of unlawful hunting of big game.

Michael E. Pennington of Kent was charged with four counts of unlawful hunting of big game and one count of first-degree wasting of fish/wildlife. Ward said Pennington had completed some of the required coursework to become a master hunter. The state Department of Fish and Wildlife calls on master hunters for special hunts in areas where wildlife numbers are getting too high or wildlife are causing problems.

The men are scheduled to make their first court appearance on March 29.

The Wenatchee World could not reach them for comment.

The poaching incident was “particularly egregious” because of the number of animals killed, the fact that some were likely pregnant, and that deer are particularly vulnerable during the winter months, said Sgt. Doug Ward, who investigated the case for the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The state agency intends to take the unusual step of seizing Pennington’s truck, along with four rifles and other hunting equipment involved in the incident, he said.

“In cases like this, where it shocks the conscience of the community, this is what the state seizure laws were made for,” he added.

Ward said the incident started when a Fairview Canyon resident reported hearing shooting up the canyon. The man drove up the road and found a dead deer, then called wildlife officers.

A wildlife officer and three Chelan County sheriff’s deputies waited at the bottom of the canyon until the suspects drove down after dark. Three freshly killed does were found in the back. A yearling that had also been killed was left along the road and found later.

Ward said the men were questioned by officers and then released. He said the men told the officers they intended to hunt coyotes on private property.

He said that during the winter months, deer are pushed down to lower elevations in search of food. They concentrate in large numbers in wintering areas like Fairview Canyon.

Poaching cases are not all that common, he said. Last year, two men were convicted of illegally killing two deer in the Palisades area, and several years ago a handful of people were convicted of killing a half-dozen deer in Crum Canyon in the Entiat Valley.

[sellis_414]

I read this last night in the paper... Im not to fond of individuals poaching. Its crap and I'm sure there are dozens more out there doing this.

[Jay K]

I hope the judge throws the book at 'em; Master hunter my a$$.

[raffensg64]

I avoid the word "hate" at all costs but have to make an exception here. I HATE poachers, especially those that kill and waste wild game and fish. Hang em by their balls. Poachers are resource thieves.

[The Quadfather]

Poaching cases are not all that common, he said. Last year, two men were convicted of illegally killing two deer in the Palisades area, and several years ago a handful of people were convicted of killing a half-dozen deer in Crum Canyon in the Entiat Valley.

It should be said that poaching cases that make it to trial are not all that common. If were talking about poaching in general, i.e. poaching of fish, that happens like the sun comes up.
It's good to see this get some press though. Maybe that will make somebody think twice about their actions.

[raffensg64]

I think poaching is more prevalent than most of us believe. Poachers have to be caught first. IMO, most poaching attempts/cases remain unknown and unreported.