News Summary
Alfred Soulliere, a 43-year-old hunter from Burrillville, faces multiple charges related to illegal poaching after a year-long investigation by the Rhode Island Environmental Police. His violations include deer baiting, hunting without a tag, and obstructing an officer, leading to a one-year hunting suspension and a $1,000 fine. A second hunter, Ryan Soulliere, has also been implicated. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management emphasizes the importance of hunting regulations for wildlife conservation.
Rhode Island – A local hunter from Burrillville, Alfred Soulliere, 43, has been charged with multiple violations related to illegal poaching following a nearly year-long investigation by the Rhode Island Environmental Police. The charges against Soulliere include baiting deer, hunting without a tag, and obstructing an officer. As a result of these violations, he faces a one-year suspension of his hunting privileges, a $1,000 fine, and authorities have seized his hunting gear.
The investigation initiated when an environmental police officer discovered a tree stand, a game camera, and a large pile of corn in the woods. In Rhode Island, this practice is considered illegal as it constitutes baiting wildlife. Subsequent surveillance revealed that Soulliere was actively hunting over this bait, leading to his eventual arrest.
Further revelations during the investigation indicated that Soulliere had illegally killed a deer in Glocester. The confiscated deer is now being used for educational purposes. In addition to Soulliere, evidence gathered from his cellphone implicated a second hunter, Ryan Soulliere, 36, from Rehoboth. Ryan has also been charged and fined for hunting without a license or tag. Similar to his counterpart, Ryan Soulliere’s cellphone and muzzleloader were confiscated by the environmental police during the investigation.
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management has highlighted the critical importance of maintaining valid hunting licenses and the associated permit fees which support wildlife restoration and conservation funding. Poaching, as noted by the department, has severe implications for the state’s natural resources, and protecting these resources is fundamental to conservation efforts.
Members of the public are encouraged to be vigilant and report any suspected poaching activities to the appropriate authorities by calling 401-222-3070. Community awareness and cooperation are key components in the fight against poaching and ensuring the sustainability of the state’s wildlife for future generations.
Background on Rhode Island Hunting Regulations
Hunting in Rhode Island is regulated to ensure that wildlife populations remain sustainable and healthy. One major aspect of these regulations includes the requirement for hunters to have the appropriate licenses and tags, which serve as a means of control and funding for wildlife management initiatives. Illegal hunting practices, such as poaching and baiting, not only violate these regulations but also jeopardize the state’s natural ecosystems.
In Rhode Island, baiting wildlife is particularly frowned upon as it can lead to unfair advantages in hunting and disrupt animal behaviors. The enforcement of these laws is critical, as it helps maintain balance within the state’s wildlife populations. The Rhode Island Environmental Police are dedicated to investigating and prosecuting poaching cases, ensuring that violators are held accountable for their actions.
In recent years, the state has ramped up its efforts to combat illegal hunting, recognizing its detrimental impact not only on wildlife but also on the outdoor community that engages in legal and responsible hunting practices. Public cooperation plays a vital role in identifying and addressing such illegal activities. Hunters and wildlife enthusiasts are reminded that they can help protect Rhode Island’s natural resources by adhering to regulations and reporting any suspicious activities they encounter.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WPRI: Burrillville Man’s Hunting Privileges Suspended After Poaching Investigation
- Wikipedia: Hunting in the United States
- Boston Globe: Illegal Deer Hunting in Burrillville, RI
- Google Search: Rhode Island Hunting Regulations
- ABC6: RI Environmental Police Fine Several Hunters on Poaching Related Charges
- Google Scholar: Poaching Rhode Island
- Sun Chronicle: Rehoboth Hunter Charged & Fined by RI Environmental Police
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Poaching
- Sun Chronicle: Rehoboth Hunter Charged & Fined for Hunting Violations in R.I.
- Google News: Rhode Island Environmental Police
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
