Press Releases
12/17/2024
DEEP EnCon Police Make Arrests Following Search of Wild Game Taxidermy Business
(HARTFORD)--The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced today the arrest of two individuals related to an ongoing investigation of a wild game and deer processing facility in Beacon Falls.
On December 6th, 2024, members of DEEP’s Environmental Conservation (EnCon) Police Investigative Unit and EnCon Police Officers from the Western District executed a Search Warrant on New England Wild Game – Deer Processing (the “facility”). That same day, and following the execution of the search warrant, Rodney Chase and Matthew Chase of Beacon Falls were arrested for Risk of Injury to a Child, criminal possession of a firearm, and possession of cannabis over the allowed limit and not stored in a secure area. The operators of this facility did not have a taxidermy license for 2024. DEEP has revoked the 2025 taxidermy license that had been issued to Matthew Chase, who runs the facility. DEEP EnCon is conducting an ongoing investigation into the deer tagging and taxidermy operations, working with the Derby Superior Court, the Town of Beacon Falls, and the Beacon Falls Resident Troopers Office.
Any hunters that dropped off a deer for taxidermy or processing at this facility can assist with this investigation by contacting DEEP EnCon Investigator Kiely at 860-424-3333. We encourage all hunters to perform their own diligence in ensuring that their game animals are properly cared for and processed when they are legally harvested.
As a reminder to the public, all deer and turkey that are harvested are required to have the “Deer/Turkey Harvest Report” with the carcass until the animal has been processed for human consumption. All facilities that are authorized to perform taxidermy in the State of Connecticut must obtain a permit from DEEP to perform taxidermy within the State.
These swift actions underscore DEEP’s commitment to upholding public safety and ensuring that no individual or entity can profit at the expense of the public’s health or safety, or Connecticut’s natural resources. We would like to thank the local authorities for assisting DEEP in our efforts to protect public health, promote responsible hunting practices, and preserve the integrity of wildlife regulations for all Connecticut residents.- Twitter: @CTDEEPNews
- Facebook: DEEP on Facebook
Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110