Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Monday, November 17, 2014
(PRINCETON) - Indiana Conservation Officers have arrested 46-year-old Neil O. Lyles of Vincennes for fleeing law enforcement, hunting deer over bait, and no hunting license.
Lyles was also cited for the safety violation of no hunter orange.
Accompanying Lyles was 31-year-old Ryan T. Portee of Princeton who was also cited for no hunter orange and hunting deer over bait.
Saturday, during the opening day of Indiana's deer firearm's season, officers observed, undetected, two individuals spreading what appeared to be types of grain throughout a field southwest of the intersection of County Roads 100 North and 275 West near Princeton. Suspecting illegal hunting activity, the officers planned to return the next day.
Shortly after 6:30 a.m., Sunday, ICO Ryan McIntyre observed Lyles and Portee sitting in the same tree stand which overlooked the baited area. Lyles, who was going to hunt in a ground blind near the base of the stand, had climbed into the stand to get another beer. Alerted to the officer's presence, Lyles climbed down from the stand and began to run, disregarding the officer's orders to stop. Calling Gibson County Dispatch for assistance, Officer Ryan began a foot pursuit. During the chase, Lyles fell to the ground, allowing the officer to take him into custody. Gibson County Deputies, Indiana State Police, Princeton Police Officers, and Indiana Conservation Officers arrived at the scene to assist.
Large amounts of shelled corn and livestock pellet feed were found spread throughout the field. A mineral block was also found. Baiting for deer is illegal for two reasons. It violates the principle of the "fair chase" and it unnaturally draws deer together to the same food source which can promote the spread of disease within the deer population.
Conservation Officers would like to remind the hunting public that alcoholic beverage consumption is not part of the hunting experience. As with the addition of alcoholic beverages to vehicle and boat operation, alcohol consumption combined with firearms and elevated tree stands can have disastrous results.
Lyles was transported to the Gibson Count Jail for processing.
1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com
© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.