As a result of an investigation conducted by Indiana Conservation Officers, Ryan Jinkerson, 46, of Lowell, and Randy Kirk, 34, of Winfield, face multiple charges of and related to poaching deer.
The two Lake County men were charged with illegal taking of deer, hunting with the aid of a motorized conveyance, providing false information to a deer check station, failing to check in deer, hunting deer without a license, hunting without consent of landowner, hunting deer by the aid of bait, unlawful taking of a federally protected species, unlawfully placing surveillance cameras on private property, and hindering a conservation officer, all of which are misdemeanors.
The investigation stemmed from information provided via TIP (Turn in a Poacher), a hotline for reporting such crimes, received late last year.
Both suspects surrendered themselves after conservation officers filed charges and issued arrest warrants. Each subsequently posted $750 bond.
All suspects are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Conservation officers remind the public that wildlife belongs to all Hoosiers. If you see illegal activity or want to report possible illegal activity, contact TIP at 1-800-TIP-IDNR (800-847-4367) or tip.IN.gov. Doing so will help conserve wildlife for future generations.