Skip to content

Two charged in pregnant deer poaching

Two men are facing charges for the alleged poaching of a pregnant mule deer in Penticton in April.
33405penticton0429-DeadMuleDeer
A dead mule deer photographed by a Penticton conservation officer.

Two men are facing charges for the alleged poaching of a pregnant mule deer doe in April.

The charges against Edward Richard Neave, 41, and Jason Kevin Thurston, 37, were sworn by the Crown on Oct. 13.

The two are charged with hunting/killing wildlife out of season as well as  hunting during prohibited hours, unlawful possession of dead wildlife, failure to retrieve wildlife and Thurston alone is charged with possession of a firearm contrary to a court order.

“Thank you to the people that worked with us,” said Jeff Hanratty, conservation officer in Penticton.

Hanratty said thanked a witness who photographed the suspected vehicle at the time of the incident as well as those who respond with tips to the RAPP (Report All Poachers and Polluters) line at 1-877-952-7277.

Hanratty reported that a doe that was pregnant with two fawns was shot during the early morning hours on April 15 near Spiller Road.

Thurston and Neave have their first appearance at the Penticton Courthouse scheduled for Nov. 25.