http://www.bclocalnews.com/okanagan_similkameen/vernonmorningstar/news/11670561.html
Poached deer kicks up fury
By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star - November 21, 2007

A Coldstream neighbourhood is up in arms after a poacher killed a deer early Tuesday morning.

The whitetail buck was making its way across a private pasture in the 10000 block of Coldstream Creek Road at about 6 a.m. when someone shot it with a crossbow.

"It's not ethical and it's not right," said a neighbour, who asked that his name not be used.

Beyond the illegality of the killing, there are also safety concerns.

"A bow is a dangerous weapon at night when you don't know where the arrow is going," said Josh Lockwood, a conservation officer.

A neighbour first became aware of the situation when he heard a truck driving up and down the road.

"I looked down at the field and saw a hand-held light going across the field," said the resident who went outside.

As he neared the road, he saw somebody climb into a truck.

"By the time I got down there, I couldn't see the licence plate number," said the resident.

The animal wasn't dead and had to be put down by a neighbour.

It's believed the poacher would have taken the animal if they hadn't been scared away by the neighbour.

"This is a deliberate act," said Lockwood of the killing.

Under wildlife legislation, it is illegal to hunt at night, to trespass or to shoot from a road. You also can't use a light or hunt in a cultivated field.

And while this area is not covered by Coldstream's hunting ban, municipal bylaws say firearms - including bows - can't be fired within 100 metres of a building.

Permission is also required from the property owner.

The Ministry of Environment is seeking public assistance to determine who is responsible for the shooting.

It's believed the suspect was wearing a ball cap with white flames on the side.

Observed at the scene was a white crew-cab truck with a tubular boat rack.

"It's an extremely noisy vehicle and it has writing, like a construction company sign, on the door," said Lockwood.

A dark blue mini-van was also seen in the area.

The arrow will be checked for fingerprints.

Hunting at night can lead to a fine of up to $100,000, six months in jail and a minimum five-year suspension from hunting.

"We are dealing with multiple offences here," said Lockwood.

Anyone with information, is asked to call 1-877-952-7277.