A Barton man previously implicated in environmental investigations at logging sites has been charged with several hunting violations.
Kenneth Bacon Jr., 30, was apprehended in Barton on Dec. 7 after allegedly fleeing from a game warden in Craftsbury. According to a news release from the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife, Bacon allegedly fired a shot from a vehicle, then fled when approached by officers.
Wardens had been in Craftsbury to investigate several complaints of illegal road hunting and deer poaching in the area. One warden was placed “in danger of serious injury,” the release said.
Bacon is charged with possessing a loaded rifle in a motor vehicle, shooting from a motor vehicle, attempting to elude a game warden, taking deer in closed season and reckless endangerment.
He had reported bagging a deer earlier in the season, reaching the limit of one for rifle season.
Bacon will be arraigned in Orleans District Court at 8:30 a.m. Jan. 28. He could face jail time and up to $3,000 in fines, plus a three-year loss of hunting, fishing and trapping licenses, the news release said.
Vermont wardens encourage members of the public to report illegal wildlife activity through Operation Game Thief at 800-75ALERT (800-752-5378) or online at www.vtfishandwildlife.com/laws_thief.cfm. Tips are accepted confidentially, and rewards are paid for information leading to an arrest.