An Ester man is facing charges for killing a moose in his yard. Alaska State Troopers report that Michael Baldwin shot the animal in January to protect his dog, but never reported the incident, and left the moose carcass to rot.
Trooper spokeswoman Megan Peters says Baldwin’s actions violate a state law that allows shooting of animals to protect life and property.
“If you shoot an animal and you do it because you’re defending your life and property, there are requirements of reporting the shooting,” Peters said. “There’s also a responsibility of the person who shot the animal to salvage the meat.”
“Anytime you shoot an animal and you just leave edible meat to rot, that’s gonna be a want and waste charge, and hunters take that very seriously.”
Baldwin is charged with wanton waste of game meat, taking a moose during closed season, unlawful possession of game, and hunting without a valid license.
Dan Bross is a reporter at KUAC in Fairbanks.
