After shooting decoy, charges pile up for suspected deer poachers

Three individuals were arrested in Massachusetts after officers observed one of them shooting a deer decoy from inside a vehicle after legal hunting hours on private property.

The Massachusetts Environmental Police stated in a news release that officers on patrol in the Templeton/Phillipston area saw a vehicle spotlight illuminating the woods before one of the individuals shot the decoy with a crossbow.

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“Realizing it was a decoy, the vehicle attempted to flee but was subsequently stopped by Officers,” MEP said of the Nov. 11 incident. “Officers then observed deer legs within the truck bed in plain view.

“Three individuals in the vehicle, including the operator, were arrested. Through the interview process, it was reported that additional deer had been taken illegally.”

Officers seized the crossbow as evidence and impounded the vehicle.

The individuals were arraigned Monday on charges that include firing of a crossbow within 150 feet of a road; illegal hunting with a crossbow; hunting with the aid of a vehicle; hunting with artificial light; hunting after hours; tagging violations, and hunting on public land without permits.

Massachusetts Environmental Police added that additional charges stemming from violations in another state “are forthcoming.”

–White-tailed deer image is generic