Six charged for illegal poaching in Hardin and Grayson counties

A year-long investigation into illegal poaching in Hardin and Grayson counties resulted in charges for six individuals.

Allen Sauer, Malachi Delatour, Joshua Stevenson, Bradley Webb, and Madison Whittington of Leitchfield along with Aden Walker of Elizabethtown face a combined 116 criminal charges as a result of the investigation by Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Resources Third District Game Wardens.

“There were numerous complaints received in Hardin County and Grayson County, and those were relayed to Sergeant Thomas Blackwell and Game Warden Steven Nelson,” said KFW Game Warden Tyler Willen.

Blackwell and Nelson intercepted the group on July 16, 2024.

“They observed out in the field for spotlighting, and observed an individual spotlighting in Hardin County and made a traffic stop, and once the traffic stop was made, there were multiple .22 caliber firearms and spotlighting equipment found inside the vehicle along with open alcoholic beverages containers,” Willen said.

KFW says the suspects at the time claimed to be raccoon hunting, but no open season for the species was in effect at that time. The KFW’s investigation “uncovered a coordinated illegal effort to take wildlife across Hardin and Grayson counties” which resulted in the illegal killing of several hundred animals including deer, turkey, fox, and a domestic pet.

“This was a very in-depth investigation that required multiple game wardens, and I’m very proud of the Third District game wardens and their diligence and dedication to the state,” Willen said.

Suspected poaching activity can be reported to your local game warden by calling 1-800-25-ALERT, texting “KFWLAW” and the message to 847411, or via the “Find My County Contact” page at fw.ky.gov. Reports can also be made to your local Kentucky State Police post.