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Seven western Iowans caught in deer poaching case
HARLAN - Seven individuals from Shelby County were cited Thursday for their roles in illegally taking at least 12 deer over the past six weeks.
Those charged include Benjamin Bruck, 16, of Portsmouth, Randy Bruck, 50, of Portsmouth, Jared Klein, 16, of Harlan, Taylor Assmann, 18, of Panama, Lucas Musich, 17, of Harlan, Dylan Barrett, 18, of Shelby and Josh Schaben, 17, of Defiance.
The poaching case began in late October when officers from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources received calls about spotlighting and from farmers who were finding dead deer in their fields with their heads removed.
As the investigation continued, a vehicle description and other details lead officers to Harlan High School to interview the individuals on Tuesday. During interviews, each of the individuals confessed to the activity.
"The individuals and their parents have cooperated during the interview process and everyone gave us a written confession," said Dave Tierney, state conservation officer for Shelby County with the Iowa DNR.
Benjamin Bruck was charged with unlawful possession of deer, hunting by artificial light, unlawful take out of season by firearm and pursuing deer with a motor vehicle. Klein was charged with unlawful possession of deer, hunting by artificial light, unlawful take out of season by firearm and pursuing deer with a motor vehicle. Assmann was charged with hunting by artificial light, unlawful take out of season by firearm and pursuing deer with a motor vehicle.
Musich was charged with hunting by artificial light, unlawful take out of season by firearm and pursuing deer with a motor vehicle. Barrett was charged with hunting by artificial light, unlawful take out of season by firearm and pursuing deer with a motor vehicle. Schaben was charged with hunting by artificial light, unlawful take out of season by firearm and pursuing deer with a motor vehicle.
Randy Bruck was charged with three counts of illegal possession of deer and interference with official acts.
All seven individuals face the suspension of hunting privileges in addition to fine and penalties issued by the court. The DNR seized two shotguns and one muzzleloader.
Tierney was assisted by conservation officers from Pocahontas County, Montgomery County, Greene County and Carroll County, and by the Shelby County Sheriff and the Harlan Police Department.
TURN IN POACHERS!
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