AUGUSTA (AP) – An Allagash Wilderness Waterway ranger accused of hunting moose at night and out of season has been placed on paid administrative leave.

Ranger Reid Caron and another man from Allagash are accused of shooting a moose on the night of Sept. 7 in Township 15, Range 10.

The other man, Jess Mcbreairty, faces additional charges of shooting from a motor vehicle, along with marijuana cultivating and possessing marijuana. Caron allegedly told authorities that he and Mcbreairty were preparing to dress out the moose when a motorist came by, prompting them to flee.

Caron, who has been a ranger for about seven years, allegedly told authorities he was having “a hard time getting by” so the pair went to get some moose meat.