WATERBURY, VT - A father and son face charges in Vermont after allegedly being involved in deer poaching activities in New York, according to the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department.

Nicholas Baker, Sr., 41, of Petersburg, New York and Nicholas Baker, Jr., 22, of Bennington, Vermont were arrested on December 8, after they illegally killed two deer in New York and brought them into Vermont.

Vermont State Game Wardens Lt. Paul Gaudreau and Travis Buttle went to a residence at 183 North Branch Street in Bennington on the evening of December 8, in response to an anonymous tip. The wardens discovered blood on a vehicle parked outside the residence and on a basement entryway. In the process of the investigation, the wardens discovered two partially butchered deer in the basement.

Both of the Bakers were arrested for illegal possession of big game in Vermont, and they may face additional charges for illegal importation of wildlife into Vermont. Their arraignment is scheduled for January 26, in Bennington District Court.

An anonymous tip through Operation Game Thief (OGT) helped make this investigation possible. The OGT phone is 1-800-75ALERT (1-800-752-5378).

New York Department of Environmental Conservation law enforcement personnel also are involved in the ongoing investigation and are expected to bring charges against the two men.

Contact:
Lt. Paul Gaudreau, 802-885-8830 or Maj. Dennis Reinhardt, 802-241-3700