Genesee Man Gets Jail Time in Moose Poaching

A Genesee man will have a felony record, spend 45 days in jail, lose his hunting privileges, possibly for life, and pay part of a $10,175 civil penalty for his role in poaching a bull moose. Mitchell Sisler, 22, of Genesee, was sentenced September 13 on the felony charge of poaching a bull moose off Miller Road near Genesee. Sisler was one of two defendants convicted of the crime. Roy Wallace also of Genesee pleaded guilty earlier this year. The case began in October 2008 when officers received a tip that someone discovered the head and antlers of the moose hidden under a bridge. The rest of the carcass was discovered a few days later. During the investigation, the officers were able to connect Sisler and Wallace to the moose. Both men pleaded guilty to shooting the moose from the road without a tag and leaving the majority of the meat to waste. Sisler also was sentenced to five years probation and had his hunting privileges revoked for life. But the court retained jurisdiction over his hunting privileges, which could be reinstated at a later date if warranted. During the revocation, Sisler cannot accompany anyone in the field when hunting. "There is a heavy price for poaching, and hopefully this sentence will deter others from doing it," said Idaho Fish and Game District Conservation Officer Barry Cummings of Deary. Fish and Game encourages anyone who hears about or sees a wildlife crime or suspicious activity to call the Citizens Against Poaching (CAP) hot-line of 1-800-632-5999 with detailed information. Rewards are available and callers can remain anonymous.