Troopers cite Soldotna man for leaving edible moose meat on carcass

A Soldotna man, 36, must appear in Kenai District Court after Alaska Wildlife Troopers cited him for leaving edible meat on a moose he killed near Forest Lane, according to trooper dispatch AK26096155.

Troopers received a report on September 26 that a moose had been harvested in the area with meat still on the carcass. Their investigation found the man took the animal three days earlier, on September 23, and "failed to salvage all edible meat as required," the dispatch said. He received a strict liability citation carrying a mandatory court appearance. Court records classify it as a non-criminal violation, punishable only by a fine. His arraignment is Nov. 5. The dispatch notes that charges are accusations and that defendants are presumed innocent.

"Failure to salvage edible meat is a serious offense and penalties here are stiff," the Alaska Department of Fish and Game says in its meat-care guidance. Wanton waste, a more serious crime requiring intent, recklessness or criminal negligence, was not charged. The dispatch does not say how much meat was left.