STAMFORD, Vt. -
A Stamford man is in the crosshairs of the law after officials say he shot a trophy buck a day after the 2012 rifle season ended.
Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department officials say Jim Smith, 47, killed the 10-point buck on Nov. 26 and did not report the deer.
In an interview with game wardens in December, they say Smith told them he thought the season was still open.
He's being charged with taking deer in closed season, which carries a potential 60-day jail term. And if convicted, he would also lose his right to hunt, fish and trap in Vermont for three years, and face up to $3,000 in fines and restitution. He will be in Bennington court Feb. 11 to face those charges.
Wardens seized the antlers, hide and meat.
According to Vermont Big Game Trophy Club President Curtis Smiley, the buck is one of the largest killed in Vermont in more than 20 years, with a Boone and Crockett score of 165 2/8 gross.
