Burrillville Man Penalized for Illegal Deer Hunting in Rhode Island
PROVIDENCE – After nearly a year of investigation, Rhode Island environmental authorities have revoked the hunting privileges of a Burrillville man for one year following multiple poaching violations, along with additional penalties.
The Rhode Island Environmental Police charged the individual with several infractions, including baiting deer, hunting without a valid tag, and obstructing an officer, according to a Wednesday statement from the state Department of Environmental Management.
Details of the Investigation and Arrest
The case originated when an Environmental Police officer discovered a tree stand, a game camera, and a large deposit of corn used as bait in the woods. Continued surveillance eventually led to the hunter’s apprehension while actively hunting over bait.
Authorities also found evidence of an unlawful deer kill in nearby Glocester during a subsequent search.
Penalties and Enforcement Actions
- One year suspension of hunting rights
- A $1,000 fine
- Seizure of hunting equipment
Additionally, data retrieved from the hunter’s cellphone implicated a man from Rehoboth, Massachusetts, who faced charges for hunting without a license or tag and was fined accordingly.
Officials announced that the Rehoboth individual’s muzzleloader and cellphone were confiscated. The illegally taken deer was seized and designated for educational purposes.
Wildlife and Conservation Context
Baiting is a contentious practice that artificially concentrates deer, potentially disrupting natural foraging behavior and increasing the risk of disease transmission among dense populations. Prohibitions on baiting help maintain balanced ecosystems and support sustainable deer management.
Proper licensing and tagging ensure that wildlife agencies can monitor harvest levels and allocate resources for conservation. When hunters ignore these regulations, it undermines state efforts to preserve deer populations and habitat integrity.
Public Involvement and Reporting
The Department of Environmental Management encourages the public to report suspected poaching by calling 401-222-3070.
“Hunting license fees directly fund wildlife restoration and habitat programs,” officials emphasized. “Poaching not only depletes our natural resources but also diminishes opportunities for law-abiding hunters.”
Additional reporting and sources from: Burillville, RI man caught poaching, officials sayPrint this ArticleView Comments
