Duluth (trfnews.i234.me) — A Duluth man is charged after
investigators say he shot and killed a protected moose while deer hunting in
northeastern Minnesota.
According to a criminal complaint, 37-year-old Dan Nelson admitted to firing at the animal during a recent hunt.
Complaint: Hunter Thought Moose Was a Deer
The incident happened while Nelson was taking part in the firearms deer season.
Investigators say Nelson told them he believed the animal was a deer when he pulled
the trigger.
Once he realized it was a moose, he reported the shooting, according to the
complaint.
Details on the exact date and township were not included in the court filing.
Moose Hunting Banned in Minnesota Since 2012
Moose numbers in Minnesota have dropped sharply over the past two decades.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources lists moose as a species of
special concern.
State officials ended moose hunting in 2012 because of the shrinking herd.
The ban remains in place, and no licensed moose hunts are allowed in the state.
Information on moose biology and population trends is posted by the DNR at its moose information page.
Hunters are required to know their target and what lies beyond before they shoot.
The DNR stresses this rule in its online hunting regulations handbook.
Charges Filed by Summons, Court Date Set
Court records show Nelson has been charged by summons in state court.
That means he was ordered to appear instead of being booked into jail.
The specific charge relates to taking a protected animal without a permit.
Moose cases can bring fines, restitution, and the loss of hunting privileges.
The complaint says Nelson is scheduled for a first court appearance on February
22.
The hearing will be held in the court serving the northeastern Minnesota county where the case was filed.
More details on possible penalties could be released at that time.
State wildlife officials say cases like this highlight the importance of careful target identification in low light.
They also point to continuing efforts to protect the small remaining moose population across northern Minnesota.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
