Orofino, Idaho – A Peck, Idaho man has been convicted and sentenced for poaching a white-tailed deer on the grounds of Orofino Elementary School, thanks to community cooperation and extensive surveillance footage reviewed by Idaho Fish and Game conservation officers.
In a case highlighting the importance of wildlife enforcement and public vigilance, Lars Nelson faced justice for an brazen act of illegal hunting. The incident unfolded during the late evening hours of November 26, 2024, when security cameras at Orofino Elementary School captured a blue Ford pickup truck pulling into the bus loading zone. An individual emerged from the vehicle and shot a white-tailed buck that was standing on the school lawn. The truck then departed the scene, only to be spotted later on multiple residential and business security cameras throughout the small town of Orofino in the Clearwater Region.
Approximately two hours after the shooting, the same blue Ford pickup returned to the school. Surveillance footage clearly showed a male subject loading the deer into the truck before driving away once more. This detailed visual evidence became crucial in the investigation led by Idaho Fish and Game officers.
Following a thorough review of hundreds of hours of video footage from various sources, officers identified the suspect as Lars Nelson of Peck, Idaho. Acting swiftly, they obtained a search warrant for a residence in Asotin, Washington, where Nelson had been staying. The search yielded key evidence, including the suspected vehicle, clothing matching that worn during the offense, and deer parts. Forensic testing further confirmed that blood collected at the residence matched samples recovered from the school grounds. Unfortunately, the deer meat and antlers were never located.
Initially charged with five misdemeanor counts, Nelson later entered a guilty plea in Clearwater County District Court to a flagrant misdemeanor charge. This classification denotes a clear and intentional violation of wildlife laws, specifically for taking a deer during a closed season. The remaining charges were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.
On February 18, 2026, Nelson received his sentence, which included a $1,000 fine with $500 suspended, $165 in court fees, a $400 civil penalty, and a $75 processing fee. He was ordered to serve two 48-hour weekends in the Clearwater County Jail, though 174 days of potential jail time were suspended. Additionally, Nelson must complete two years of unsupervised probation and faces a five-year revocation of his hunting privileges. These penalties underscore Idaho Fish and Game’s commitment to deterring poaching and protecting game populations.
Clearwater Region Conservation Officer Luke Guasco expressed gratitude to the community in a statement following the sentencing. “The case required extensive review of surveillance footage and would not have been possible without the assistance of local residents and businesses,” Guasco said. His comments emphasize the vital role that public tips and shared surveillance play in modern wildlife law enforcement efforts.
This conviction serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by poaching in Idaho’s outdoor landscapes, where deer populations are carefully managed through regulated hunting seasons. Taking game out of season disrupts these management strategies, potentially impacting herd health and future hunting opportunities for lawful sportsmen and women.
Idaho Fish and Game continues to encourage the public to report suspected poaching incidents promptly. Wildlife violations can be reported confidentially through the Citizens Against Poaching hotline at 1-800-632-5999, which operates 24 hours a day. Callers may remain anonymous, and rewards are available for information leading to convictions.
The collaboration between law enforcement, local businesses, and residents in this case exemplifies how community involvement strengthens conservation efforts across the state. As winter persists in northern Idaho, Fish and Game officers remain vigilant in protecting the region’s abundant wildlife resources for sustainable use by future generations.
For more information, visit Idaho Fish and Game.