The Vermont Warden Service has completed a multi-month poaching investigation resulting in the arrest of five Windsor County males suspected of taking 14 illegal deer in Vermont during the fall of 2021.
Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department Game Wardens and Detectives worked alongside Conservation Officers from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, and Special Agents of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service through the investigation. In addition to the 14 illegal deer taken in Vermont, those involved are suspected of taking multiple illegal deer in New Hampshire. They are facing additional charges in that jurisdiction.
“This investigation demonstrates the commitment of Vermont Game Wardens to pursue and prosecute intentional violators, as well as the strong working relationship the Warden Service shares with New Hampshire Fish and Game and the United State Fish and Wildlife Service,” said Vermont Game Warden Detective Sergeant Robert Currier. “Officers and Agents from each agency worked hand in hand to accomplish the common goal of protecting the natural resources of Vermont and New Hampshire.”
On April 26, Zackery Baxter (26) of Sharon VT, Jeffrey Degrasse (26) of Hartford VT, Kobe Labonte (22) of White River Junction VT, Casey Thayer (27) of Hartford VT, and Patrick Whitcomb (24) of Hartford VT appeared in court to answer several counts of the following charges:
Taking Deer in Closed Season, Title 10 VSA 4745
Possession of Illegal Deer, Title 10 VSA 4781
Transportation of Illegal Deer, Title 10 VSA 4784
Failure to Report Big Game, Title 10 Appendix 2
Failure to Tag Big Game, Title 10 Appendix 2A
Obstruction of Justice, Title 13 VSA 3015
False Information to Police Officer, Title 13 VSA 1754
Feeding Deer, Title 10 Appendix 37
In total, the five males named in this investigation are facing a combined 78 criminal charges related to
