A Peck man has been convicted of the illegal shooting of a white-tailed deer at Orofino Elementary School in November of 2024.
After reviewing hundreds of hours of video footage, Idaho Fish and Game officers identified the suspect as Lars Nelson of Peck. A search warrant executed at a residence in Asotin, where Nelson had been staying, led to the seizure of the suspected vehicle, clothing worn during the offense, and deer parts. Forensic testing confirmed blood collected at the residence matched blood recovered at the school. The meat and antlers were never located. Nelson initially faced five misdemeanor charges but later pled guilty in Clearwater County District Court to a flagrant misdemeanor charge of taking a deer during a closed season. The remaining charges were dismissed.
Last week, Nelson was sentenced to a $1,000 fine with $500 suspended, $165 in court fees, a $400 civil penalty, and a $75 processing fee. He must serve two 48-hour weekends in the Clearwater County Jail, with 174 days suspended, complete two years of unsupervised probation, and faces a five-year revocation of hunting privileges.
