Troopers Say Massachusetts Hunters On Unguided Moose Hunt Charged

ADFG photo

Disturbing news out of Alaska this week. Two hunters from Massachusetts were on an unguided hunt, and took two moose but apparently didn’t match up the antlers to the meat they brought back with the antlers.

Here’s more from KTVA TV:

The case against 42-year-old Matthew Kelley and 44-year-old Michael Dagilus was reported Sunday night by Renfro’s Alaskan Adventures, according to an online dispatch from Bethel-based Alaska Wildlife Troopers. The company had transported the men on an unguided moose hunt in the area, but told troopers they returned with “moose meat that didn’t match up with the antlers when picked up in the field.”

“Investigation indicated [Kelley] had taken a smaller bull moose on [Thursday] and then on [Sunday] took a larger bull moose, removing only the antlers from the second moose,” troopers wrote.
Troopers spokeswoman Megan Peters said the illegal moose kill occurred about 120 miles northwest of Bethel.

 

Here’s the full Alaska Widlife Troopers dispatch, including setting a future court date when the men will face charges of wanton waste of moose meat, take moose over the legal limit and other violations:

AK Wildlife Troopers

  • Date: 9/30/2018 11:31:26 PM

    AK18070982

    Location: Bethel
    Type: Wanton Waste – Moose

    Dispatch Text:

    On 9/30/18 at about 1845 hours, Bethel AWT received a report from Renfros Alaskan Adventures that two transported hunters who had been on an UN-guided hunt had moose meat that didn’t match up with the antlers when picked up in the field.  Investigation indicated  Matthew Kelley, 42 of Bolton MA had taken a smaller bull moose on 9/27/18 and then on 9/30/18 took a larger bull moose; removing only the antlers from the second moose.  Kelley was charged with Wanton Waste (moose), take moose over bag limit, unlawful possession and transportation, failing to affix big game locking tag and failure to validate moose harvest ticket.  His hunting partner, Michael Dagilus, 44 of Leyden MA was also charged with wanton waste in this crime.  Court was set on for October 1, 2018 in Bethel District Court.

    Bethel AWT thanks Renfro’s Alaskan Adventures for their professionalism and timely reporting of these crimes.