A healthy doe was illegally shot and left in an apple orchard off West Sandy River Road in Mercer, prompting an investigation by the Maine Warden Service.
Wardens say the deer was killed between 11 and 11:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 26. Maine Operation Game Thief is offering a $2,000 reward for information leading to the arrest or conviction of those responsible.
Officials condemned the act as poaching, noting the deer was shot at night and left behind. Anyone with information is asked to report it through the Hunt Regs app or call 1-800-ALERT-US.
In Maine, illegally hunting or possessing a deer during the closed season is punishable by at least three days in jail, a $1,000 fine and the loss of hunting privileges.
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