Lewiston Man Pleads Guilty To Wasting Deer

Just 48 hours prior to jury selection for his trial, a Lewiston man plead guilty to wasteful destruction of wildlife in Nez Perce County last week. Last November, Timothy Techick, 28, was charged for wasting a mule deer buck by Idaho Conservation Officers Dave Cadwallader and Mark Hill. The officers investigated a tip from an anonymous caller who had observed the skinned carcass in Techick's yard in a Lewiston neighborhood. Techick reportedly indicated to the officers that he had taken all the meat he wanted, but officers were able to remove a considerable amount of wasted meat, including large portions of the hind quarters, the shoulders, as well as both entire backstraps. The large 3x4 point mule deer buck had apparently been laying in Techick's yard for several days, according to the investigating officers. On March 3, 2001, Techick plead guilty to wasting the deer. He was sentenced in Nez Perce County Court to fines and costs totaling $721.00. This prosecution was successful because a concerned citizen made the choice to report the violation. Many fish and wildlife violations go unreported. Citizen involvement is the key to beginning many investigations. People witnessing a violation are encouraged to report the crime. As this case proves, a team effort between the public and the Idaho Fish and Game Department can bring positive results.