Kevin Goff shows the rack from a poached deer.

For some reason, American Ridge in Wetzel County has become a hot spot for poaching activity this year, according to Corporal Kevin Goff of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Most recently, an incident occurred at around 9 p.m. on Nov. 30 which involved the nighttime shooting of a large buck in the back yard of a residence.

“The incident is still under investigation, but we do have suspects,” Goff stated. “On at least three other occasions, deer were shot during nighttime hours on and around American Ridge, at which time the individual or individuals didn’t even take the deer. They were just shooting to see them fall-a senseless waste,” said the 20-year veteran.

He doesn’t suspect all of the incidents are directly related but hasn’t ruled anything out at this time. Goff encourages anyone with information on these incidents to contact him by calling Wetzel County Dispatch at 304-455-6730.