JAY — A local man is accused of night hunting with a rifle in a tree stand overlooking bait early Thursday, theopening day of archery season for deer.

Wardens Kris MacCabe and Josh Smith arrested Paul Richards, 58, of Jay on Thursday on misdemeanor charges of night hunting, hunting over bait and hunting with a rifle, Doug Rafferty, spokesman for the Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, said.

Richards had a rifle in a stand and a bow in his vehicle, he said. There was a variety of bait on the ground, including apples and corn, he said.

Rifle season does not begin until the end of October, Rafferty said.

The wardens investigated information they received.

[email protected]

Supporting Sponsor for Franklin Journal, Livermore Falls Advertiser, Rangeley Highlander and Rumford Falls Times.
Keeping communities informed by supporting local news. franklinsavings.bank