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Suspect named in deer killings

Scott Condon
Aspen Times Staff Writer

Game wardens have cited a Carbondale man for hunting violations and continue to investigate him for the slaughter of four deer outside of town earlier this winter.

Charles E. Goure, 37, was ticketed by the Colorado Division of Wildlife for carrying a loaded weapon and hunting with an artificial light, according to court documents. He was advised of the charges and potential penalties Tuesday in Pitkin County Court.

Authorities have also examined Goure’s four guns in connection with a December deer poaching incident, confirmed Carbondale district wildlife officer Justin Martens.



One doe and three bucks were killed on private property outside of Carbondale last month, prompting the wildlife division to offer an award for information that leads to a conviction in the poaching incident. Wildlife officers questioned a man in connection to the incident before the award was offered.

No meat was taken from the deer. The antlers of a trophy buck were also left behind, according to wildlife officers.




Martens said bullets taken from the deer carcasses are being examined by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. They will be compared to Goure’s guns for a match.

Martens declined to discuss what information the wildlife division had to support the citations issued to Goure or further details of the poaching investigation.

He said Goure has had valid deer hunting licenses in the past. Goure didn’t have a small-game license or a permit to hunt at night, according to Martens.

The citations issued to Goure are “relatively minor,” according to Martens. Carrying a loaded weapon in a vehicle can be punishable by a $68 fine and 15 points off a hunting license. Hunting with an artificial light carries a possible fine of $200 with a surcharge of $74 and 20 points off a license.

Conviction of those charges could result in a license being suspended or taken away for life. There are stiffer charges and penalties in poaching cases.

Pitkin County Deputy District Attorney Gail Nichols wouldn’t comment on whether additional charges may be filed against Goure. She said she “expressed a concern” in court that Goure should talk to the public defender about the charges against him. Public defender Jim Conway couldn’t be reached Thursday for comment on whether he will represent Goure.

[Scott Condon’s e-mail address is scondon@aspentimes.com]