Game wardens with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife’s 3rd District have wrapped up a year-long poaching investigation involving six individuals accused of illegally killing hundreds of animals, including deer, turkey, fox, and a domestic pet, in Hardin and Grayson counties.
According to state Fish & Wildlife officials, the investigation reached a turning point in July of 2024 when officers stopped the group during a traffic stop after wardens observed them using high-powered lights to illuminate fields from a vehicle along a public road.
During a search of the vehicle, wardens said they found multiple .22-caliber firearms, spotlighting equipment, and open alcoholic beverages. They reported that a further investigation revealed a coordinated effort to poach wildlife in Hardin and Grayson counties, leading to 116 criminal charges.
According to authorities, the primary defendants and charges are as follows:
- 21-year-old Allen Sauer of Leitchfield was charged with 76 violations, including 52 counts of illegal take of deer/turkey, spotlighting, animal cruelty, and unlawful transaction with a minor.
- 21-year-old Aden Walker of Elizabethtown was charged with illegal take of wildlife, spotlighting, and discharging a firearm from a roadway.
- 18-year-old Malachi Delatour of Leitchfield was charged with illegal take, animal cruelty, and unlawful transaction with a minor
- 20-year-old Joshua Stevenson of Leitchfield was charged with illegal take and hunting without permission
- 18-year-old Bradley Webb of Leitchfield was charged with illegal take and taking wildlife from a vehicle
- 20-year-old Madison Whittington of Leitchfield was charged with illegal take of deer/turkey.
Authorities encourage the public to report suspected poaching through Kentucky Fish and Wildlife’s tip lines or website.
