GLOCESTER – An investigation by the RI Environmental Police recently led to the arrest of a Burrillville man for poaching, according to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.
Alfred Soulliere, 43, was charged with multiple violations, including baiting deer, hunting without a tag, and obstructing an officer, according to a report on the incident. Soulliere was fined $1,000, lost hunting privileges for a year, and had his gear seized.
State officials said the move followed a nearly year long investigation.
The case reportedly began when an environmental police officer found a tree stand, game camera, and large pile of corn in the woods. Baiting wildlife is illegal in Rhode Island.
“Further surveillance led to the hunter’s arrest when he was found actively hunting over bait,” noted RIDEM in a post on social media. “A search uncovered additional offenses, including illegally killing a deer in Glocester.”
Evidence from the hunter’s cellphone also led officers to arrest Soulliere’s brother, Ryan Soulliere, 36, of Rehoboth, Mass. The Massachusetts man was also fined, and charged with hunting without a license or tag, and his muzzleloader and cellphone were seized, with the illegally taken deer confiscated for educational use.
“RI Environmental Police take poaching seriously,” the department noted. “Hunting licenses and permit fees are vital for funding wildlife restoration efforts. Poaching depletes our state’s natural resources and steals opportunities from hunters who follow regulations.”
Anyone who suspects poaching is instructed to call (401) 222-3070.
