Moscow man in court for allegedly poaching moose

A 23-year-old Moscow man made his initial appearance Wednesday in Latah County District Court for allegedly poaching a moose last fall in Latah County.

Rui Gao is charged with unlawful killing of wildlife, and wasteful destruction or unlawful mutilation of wildlife. Both are felonies.

According to court documents, Gao allegedly shot a bull moose with a rifle Oct. 23 near Potlatch. He allegedly did not have a moose tag. He also allegedly did not retrieve the meat from the moose and only took the head and antlers.

Police contacted Gao in November and he allegedly admitted to killing the moose.

His next court appearance is a status hearing on April 27.