Four people have been charged with a variety of wildlife violations related to a rash of whitetail deer poaching in the Whitefish area in fall 2012.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks revealed in a press release Friday that the individuals were charged Sept. 27, although the release did not identify the people. 

“No further information will be released by FWP at this time,” the release states.

The suspects have pleaded not guilty.

As many as 19 deer were killed in the Whitefish area over a period of about two years, with wardens suspecting that the same poachers were involved in all of the incidents. 

Most of the deer were shot at night and left to rot. In some cases, antlers were taken.

The poaching occurred mainly in the vicinity of Farm to Market Road, Dillon Road and Voerman Road. 

Charges include waste of game, using artificial light to kill big game, unlawful possession of big-game animals and hunting during a closed season.

In October 2012, rewards for information about any suspects were boosted first to $3,500 and then to $4,450.

In other news from Fish, Wildlife and Parks, wardens are seeking information about a 5-by-6 whitetail buck that was shot and left in a field off Dillon Road east of Whitefish Nov. 5 at about 5:30 p.m. The shooter left the scene in a vehicle described as a dark-colored pickup with large tires, a brush guard and a top bar. 

Anyone with information about the poaching incident should call (800) TIP-MONT. A person who gives information that leads to a conviction may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000.

Reporter Jim Mann may be reached at 758-4407 or by email at jmann@dailyinterlake.com.