Kentucky Fish and Wildlife investigates poaching at Louisville Nature Preserve

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources is investigating the illegal poaching of a deer at Beargrass Creek State Nature Preserve in Louisville, where hunting is prohibited. Witnesses reported seeing a man bait the deer with salt blocks before shooting it with a crossbow, raising safety concerns among the many visitors to the area. The Louisville Nature Center emphasized the seriousness of the incident, noting several laws were broken, including hunting in a public park and using bait. A blood trail led investigators to the deer’s carcass and the equipment used in the poaching. Local residents expressed shock and called for stricter protection of the nature preserve. Authorities are seeking information to locate the suspects, who could face substantial penalties for their actions.