7 cited for deer poaching in Shelby County

HARLAN – Six teens and an adult from Shelby County were cited Thursday for their roles in illegally taking at least 12 deer over the past six weeks.

Charged were Benjamin Bruck, 16, of Portsmouth, Randy Bruck, 50, of Portsmouth, Jared Klein, 16, of Harlan, Taylor Assmann, 18, of Panama, Lucas Musich, 17, of Harlan, Dylan Barrett, 18, of Shelby and Josh Schaben, 17, of Defiance.

The poaching case began in late October when Department of Natural Resources officers received calls about spotlighting and from farmers who were finding dead deer in their fields with their heads removed.

A vehicle description and other details led officers to Harlan High School to interview the individuals on Tuesday. During interviews, each of the individuals confessed to the activity.

“The individuals and their parents have cooperated during the interview process and everyone gave us a written confession,” said Dave Tierney, DNR conservation officer for Shelby County.

Benjamin Bruck, Klein, Assmann, Musich, Barrett and Schaben were all charged with hunting by artificial light, unlawful take out of season by firearm and pursuing deer with a motor vehicle. Benjamin Bruck and Klein were also charged with unlawful possession of deer. Randy Bruck was charged with three counts of illegal possession of deer and interference with official acts.

All seven face the suspension of hunting privileges in addition to fine and penalties issued by the court. The DNR seized two shotguns and one muzzleloader.