Poachers Bagged; Reward Paid

Wildlife enforcement

An anonymous informant recently was paid a $500 reward for information leading to the conviction of two men who illegally killed a bull moose last fall.

The Spokane-based Inland Northwest Wildlife Council paid the reward as part of its standing offer to help catch moose poachers, said executive director Bob Panther. The payment was made through Washington Fish and Wildlife Department agents so the tipster’s identity could be protected.

The tip led to the arrest of David L. Rich, 39, of Everett and Michael J. Boyer, 24, of Monroe.

The poachers were found guilty in Pend Oreille District Court for hunting in a closed season and wasting meat. Each man forfeited $1,161. Unfortunately, at least 12 other moose poaching cases this season remain unsolved.