Alaska Department Of Public Safety,State Troopers Public Information Office

Dispatch Text:

UPDATE:

On March 28, 2024, Alick, Norton, and Polty each pled guilty/no contest in the Emmonak Court, to taking the moose during a closed season and taking the moose with artificial light. They were each fined $3,000, ordered to pay $1,000 restitution, and all seized items were forfeited to the state. Additionally, each of the hunters were placed on probation for a year, and their hunting privileges were revoked for one year, including they cannot accompany anyone in the field while hunting. 

ORIGINAL:

On October 14, 2023, while working on an unrelated case, AWT Bethel discovered a video of a moose being shined with an artificial light before being shot by someone from a boat. Utilizing multiple search warrants, investigation revealed Brandon Alick age 34 of Pilot Station, Jason Norton age 25 of Pilot Station, and Noel Polty age 29 of Pilot Station, took an antlered bull moose on October 2, 2023, on Driftwood Slough in GMU 18 Remainder. The season for antlered bulls had closed on September 30, 2023. Investigation also determined the moose was killed in the dark, utilizing a handheld spotlight. The moose was then transported back to Pilot Station by boat. 

On February 29, 2024, AWT Bethel issued Alick, Norton, and Polty citations for taking the moose during a closed season, taking big game with artificial light, and unlawful possession/transportation of big game. The spotlight and moose were seized as evidence of the crimes. Arraignment was set for March 14, 2024, in the Emmonak Court.