Va. Dept. of Wildlife Resources: Two charged in poaching case north of Harrisonburg

ROCKINGHAM, Va. (WHSV) — Officials say two warrants have been issued regarding a poaching case just north of Harrisonburg.

According to a Facebook post from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, a private property owner alerted authorities between September 2020 and January 2021 of several suspects trespassing and poaching multiple antlered deer at night from the property.

The suspects allegedly cut antlers off the deer and carried them out in backpacks.

Officials say the Rockingham County Sheriff’s office posted photos of the suspects the property owner was able to capture using trail cameras on their Facebook page. The post asked for the community’s help in identifying the suspects.

The Facebook post says the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources was then able to charge the suspects, thanks to the community’s help.

Officials say Clyde Edward Eppard Jr., 43, of Elkton, Va., was charged with discharging a firearm from the road, illegal possession of wildlife, conspiring to trespass on private property, trespassing in posted private property, shooting from a vehicle and hunting during closed season.

Officials also say Kimberly Smith, 43, of Rockingham, Va., was charged with conspiring to trespass and illegal possession of wildlife.

Officials say both were charged and released on bond.

You can read the Facebook post from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources below.

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