OSP Report - Oct. 12

Oct. 8: 05:45: Fish & Wildlife, Hunting – McGowan Creek Rd., Milepost 3. Fish & Wildlife troopers conducted a WED (Wildlife Enforcement Decoy) operation in the early morning hours prior to daylight. They observed a white Chevy pickup stop at the decoy, headlights illuminating the decoy, and a passenger firing twice with a pistol. The decoy was struck both times before the operator started to drive away. Troopers conducted a traffic stop on the Chevy and ultimately issued citations for Unlawful Take, Hunting Prohibited Hours, Discharging a Firearm from a Public Highway, and Aiding/Counseling in a Wildlife Violation. A Kimber .45 caliber pistol was also seized and taken back to the Springfield Patrol Office where it was placed in a secure evidence locker. Arrested/Charged: 60-year-old male and a 26-year old male, both from Harrisburg.

20:16: Fish & Wildlife, Hunting. Received information that a hunter accidentally shot 2 deer in the McKenzie Unit. The hunter called and self-reported the accident. Upon arrival, trooper observed two spike bucks that looked identical. The hunter first shot the deer and then wet too retrieve it when the deer stood up. The hunter then fired a second shot, and the deer went down. When the hunter realized the second deer, phone contacts were made to Springfield Fish & Wildlife troopers. Ultimately, the hunter was issued a warning for the unlawful take and the deer was transported to Marcola where it was donated through the Helping Hands Pantry. Citation/Warning issued to 46-year-old male.