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Creston Valley mule deer poaching incident remains unsolved

More than nine months after four mule deer were illegally shot on a Lister farmer’s field, the search for the culprit continues...
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A sketch released by the BC Conservation Officer Service of a suspected mule deer poacher.

More than nine months after four mule deer were illegally shot on a Lister farmer’s field, conservation officer James Barber says the search for the culprit continues.

“Fortunately, a witness got a really good look at the man, and has worked with an RCMP sketch artist to provide what he says is an accurate picture,” said Barber.

On Oct. 20, 2013, at about 8:30 a.m., three mule deer were killed and one was left wounded on the ground. A witness heard the gunshots and walked over to the field on the north side of Mallory Road, just west of the Creston Golf Club.

“He saw the deer, and a guy trying to drag one away,” Barber said. “He confronted the shooter and asked if he had permission to be on the property. The man said he didn’t.

“The witness then saw the mule deer were does, and there is no open hunting season on them. When he told the shooter what he had done was illegal, the man panicked, said he was sorry and ran off into the bush and disappeared.”

The shooter is described as being a white male, slightly tanned, about five feet, 10 inches tall and weighing about 180 pounds. He has dark brown eyes and jet black hair, which was neatly trimmed, short on the sides. He also had a small soul patch or goatee on his chin.

“He had high cheek bones and a straight nose, and he spoke softly, in a polite manner,” Barber said. “At the time, he was wearing dark pants and a camo coat.”

The suspect might have driven off in a silver Jetta-like car with a black ski rack on top. The vehicle was seen parked nearby and disappeared a short time later.

“We are asking the public for help,” Barber said. “All tips are kept confidential.”

Anyone with information about the shootings can call the BC Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277 or Creston RCMP at 250-428-9313.