Writing Exersize

Hunting Accident Escalates into Aggravated Assault (Albany, VT)

Conrad Masse, 76, of Craftsbury is one of two men investigated in a hunting related shooting accident in Albany Vermont, has been issued a citation to appear before the Orleans Supreme Court on the 28th of February to answer the charges of Aggravated Assault. 

In addition to his appearance in Court, Masse was also issued tickets by the Fish and Game wardens for shooting from the Road, Having a Loaded Rifle in his Vehicle, and Not Having Proper Display of Permits for the bear hounds he and his accomplice, Wayne Goff 58 of Wolcott, were in possession of.

The two men were hunting bear together, using radio telemetry and GPS to track their dogs who had been previously set on the bears scent. The two men drove down Urie Road in an attempt to head the bear off as it was forced to cross by the dogs.

Goff exited the car first, and positioned himself on the road where he could see if the bear was crossing, while Masse drove exactly 541 feet away and parked the car, also positioning himself where he could see the bear as soon as it emerged. Both men were facing each other, with a large gap between them to channel the bear.

When the bear did cross the road, it did so between the two men. Masse fired his Remington .30-.60 rifle about three times, one bullet striking the bear, one hitting a tree, and the final bullet penetrated Goff's stomach and became lodged in his pelvic area. 

Goff was rushed to North Country Hospital, and then was moved to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center for surgery and treatment. However, Goff was released and is reportedly in stable condition, but will give no comment at this time.

This investigation was the joint efforts of the Vermont State Police and game wardens from the Vermont Department of Fish & Game, which has been ongoing since October of last year, is finally coming to a close.