Onset man charged for hunting closed season, unlicensed possession of a firearm

Nov 29, 2018

An Onset man caught trespassing by Natural Resources Officers on Wednesday night will be arraigned in Wareham District Court on Friday for the possession of a firearm without a license and hunting during closed season.

Wareham Harbormaster and Director of Natural Resources Garry Buckminster was conducting fish and wildlife safety inspection at the Maple Spring Wildlife Management Area around 5:20 p.m. on Nov. 28  when he reportedly saw Christian Koller of Onset walking through an adjacent, posted private property with an illuminated red lens flashlight.

Buckminster requested assistance from Natural Resource Officer Josh Kimball to help locate Koller on the private property. Upon entering the area, Kimball noted a black Jeep Cherokee in the parking lot of the Maple Springs Wildlife Management Area. 

A search of the private property was conducted by both Buckminster and Kimball, however they were unable to locate Koller due to the darkness. Both officers returned to the parking area to wait by the black Jeep Cherokee.

While at the location of the vehicle, Kimball observed Koller leaving the wood line near the parking lot with a illuminated red lens flashlight. Koller was reportedly dressed in blaze orange carrying a tree stand, a camouflage backpack and a firearm.

Kimball identified himself to the Koller and asked if the firearm, a shotgun, was loaded.

Koller confirmed that it was and Kimball instructed him to aim the shotgun in a safe position before unloading the chamber. The shotgun was cleared of a single round 20 gauge slug.

Upon further discussion with Koller, officers determined he did not possess a license to carry or the required firearms identification card.The shotgun was immediately secured and Koller was placed under arrest by Kimball. The Wareham Police Department was then requested to transport Koller for processing.

Koller has been charged with possession of a firearm without a license/loaded firearm, hunting/fishing-closed season and trespass with firearm. He was bailed and arraignment scheduled has been scheduled for Nov. 29 at Wareham District Court.