PROVIDENCE – A Burrillville, R.I., man who was allegedly caught poaching had his hunting privileges revoked for a year, among other penalties, following a nearly year long investigation, according to state environmental officials.
The Rhode Island Environmental Police charged Alfred Soulliere, 43, with “multiple violations, including baiting deer, hunting without a tag, and obstructing an officer,” the state’s Department of Environmental Management said in a social media post on Wednesday.
“The case began when an Environmental Police officer found a tree stand, game camera, and large pile of corn in the woods,” officials said. “Further surveillance led to the hunter’s arrest when he was found actively hunting over bait.”
“A search uncovered additional offenses, including illegally killing a deer in Glocester,” officials added. In addition to losing his hunting privileges for a year, Soulliere was also fined $1,000 and had his gear seized by authorities, the department said.
According to the agency, evidence recovered from the Soulliere’s cellphone also led authorities to a Rehoboth, Mass., resident identified in records as his brother, Ryan Soulliere, 36, “who was fined and charged with hunting without a license or tag.”
“His muzzleloader and cellphone were seized, and the illegally taken deer was confiscated for educational use,” officials said.
Attorneys for both men could not be immediately reached for comment on Thursday.
The department urged the public to call 401-222-3070 if poaching is suspected.
“Hunting licenses and permit fees are vital for funding wildlife restoration efforts,” officials said. “Poaching depletes our state’s natural resources and steals opportunities from hunters who follow regulations.”
This story has been updated to include additional information from the Department of Environmental Management.
Christopher Gavin can be reached at christopher.gavin@globe.com.