Two Wetzel County men have been charged with various violations of West Virginia’s wildlife laws in connection with the illegal taking of two trophy buck deer, according to Capt. W.A. Persinger of the Law Enforcement Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.

On Oct. 28, Sgt. C.D Shriner received a citizen complaint from the Eight Mile Ridge area of Wetzel County near the Tyler County line that two individuals had killed two deer in that area and cut the heads off, leaving the remainder of the carcasses at the scene. An investigation led Sgt. Shrine to the location of the carcasses and information that resulted in the recovery of two trophy eight-point bucks. Further investigation led Sgt. Shriner to a suspect who, after being questioned, confessed to the unlawful taking of these two bucks.

Tylor Hostuttler, 18, of Jacksonburg, was issued various citations for the violations as well as trophy buck replacement fee for both bucks. Codie Leek, 18, of Pine Grove, was also charged in the incidents as an accessory to the crimes. The charges are pending in Wetzel County Circuit Court.

Conviction on deer poaching charges can result in $200 replacement costs for each deer, plus an additional fine of $1,000 to $2,500 for the illegal taking of trophy bucks.

“This investigation was successful because someone saw a crime being committed and reported it to the proper authorities,” said Capt. Persinger. “The concerned sportsmen in the area are to be commended in this case for their information and reporting of this unlawful act.”

The Law Enforcement Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) has added a new Web site option for reporting activity that threatens fish, wildlife, and critical habitat. Submitting a tip sends a message to DNR district office staff for response. The Web site can be found at www.wvdnr.gov/LEnforce/Poachers.shtm.

“We have a limited number of Natural Resources Police Officers in the field, so the public plays a critical role in protecting our natural resources by reporting violations,” said Lt. Col. Jerry Jenkins of the DNR Law Enforcement Section. “Submitting a report is a quick and easy way to report violations.”