On December 5, 2024, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) received complaints regarding the potential poaching of a well-known whitetail buck nicknamed “King Louie” in Johnstown, NY, by a local hunter. Photos of the impressive deer, known for its unique antlers, circulated through social media and text chains, eliciting concerns in the community.
Environmental Conservation Officers Justanna Bohling and Kyle Bevis launched an investigation, canvassed the area, and worked closely with Fulton County ECO Shane Manns and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office in search of evidence.
The Officers interviewed a witness who they said reported seeing and touching the buck on the hunter’s truck, which led to the defendant eventually admitting to unlawfully shooting the deer from the roadway on land he didn’t have permission to be on.
ECOs confiscated the buck and issued several tickets, including a misdemeanor for illegally taking big game, returnable to the court in the Town of Mohawk, Montgomery County.
On January 8, 2025, the defendant pleaded guilty to all charges, resulting in a $3,000 fine, five-year hunting license revocation, and mandatory completion of a New York State Hunter Safety Course.
The buck’s antlers were scored at 174 1/8” gross, which puts it among the highest scoring bucks in New York State, possibly a record. The buck is ineligible for the record books however, due to its being killed illegally.
Read more stories about the crime of poaching in New York.
Photo of New York State ECOs (from left) Shane Manns, Justanna Bohling and Kyle Bevis with poached buck King Louie (provided by DEC).
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