Pend Oreille County District Court has dinged Charles Isaiah Fraley, 27, of Ione $6,193 for using a rifle to kill a six-point bull elk during the September archery season. A bowhunter who was in the line of fire says the penalty wasn’t enough. “Poaching has become so common up here, the judges need to make a statement, especially with these repeat offenders,” said the 65-year-old archer, also from Ione, who asked that he be called Buck. Late last summer, Buck, had pegged where a bull and its harem were crossing a creek from feeding to bedding areas. “I came back the next morning and was in position before daylight,” he said. “I watched the cows come out and up the ridge. I cow-called a little and the bull bugled. Then I heard the first shot. “It sounded like somebody was shooting at me. It was close. I’m in full camo/Rich Landers, SR. More here. (Courtesy photo: This trophy six-point bull elk was killed illegally with a rifle by Charles I. Fraley during archery season.)

Question: Is there a more low-down animal in the forest than a poacher?