Poaching common problem in fall

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Bow hunting season started this month and firearm hunting starts in November. But not everyone is ethical when it comes to the fall pastime.  

Poaching is a common problem this time of year.   

Indiana Conservation Officers found deer carcasses right outside of Terre Haute in October.

The deer carcasses were partially processed and then dumped in a pile.

“It’s not uncommon this time of year to get calls on deer carcasses lying around with deer season going on. Sometimes, people don’t dispose of them properly,” said Max Winchell, Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Officer.    

Officers said this is considered poaching.

Poaching is the illegal killing, possession or destruction of habitat of Indiana's fish, game or non-game wildlife.

Activities that are considered poaching include killing an animal out of season, with out a license, with a prohibited weapon, or in a prohibited manner.

“If someone—with deer season coming in—if someone does their own processing, make sure they dispose of the carcass properly. Make sure they have permission to dispose of it on someone else’s private property. And, please, don’t leave it along the roadside, or especially in a waterway,” said Winchell.   

DNR said poaching ruins the hunting experience for honest Hoosiers.

It's quick and simple to report a poaching violation. The complaint can be anonymous.   

Poaching is a misdemeanor. You can serve time in prison and pay heavy fines. 

Officers do offer rewards for information about poaching. 

For more information about poaching violations, head to DNR’s website .