Proctor Journal

Two Roseau County youths have been charged with deer poaching and related gross

misdemeanors as part of an investigation by the Minnesota Department of Natural

Resources (DNR).

A 16-year-old from Roseau was charged with taking big game without a license, gross

misdemeanor taking big game with artificial light, gross misdemeanor transport of

illegally

taken big game, and wanton waste. A 17-year-old from Wannaska involved in the

incident was charged with taking big game without a license, gross misdemeanor

taking big game with artificial light, and gross misdemeanor transport of illegally taken

big game.

Early in the 2009 firearms deer season, State conservation officer Ben Huener of

Roseau received complaints about a couple of teenagers driving around with lots of

deer in the back of a pickup near Malung, a small town in central Roseau County. A

license plate number led Huener to the two juveniles.

The 16-year-old initially denied involvement, but later admitted the youths used the

headlights of the pickup to blind the deer before using a rifle to kill two does and five

fawns. The 17-year-old confirmed the story. Three of the fawns were later discovered

near a church, with the remaining carcasses dumped at various locations around

Malung.

In addition to applicable fines and court costs, the charges also mandate restitution

paid to the people of Minnesota in the amount of $500 per animal taken, as well as a

mandatory revocation of their hunting licenses for three years. A rifle and scope were

seized for possible auction.

Anyone with information about any wildlife or fisheries violations can contact the

Turn-In-Poachers (TIP) hotline at 800-652-9093 or #TIP on their cell phone