2 CT Men Ran Illegal Taxidermy Business: Authorities

BEACON FALLS, CT — Two people were arrested following an investigation into a wild game and deer processing facility in Beacon Falls, according to state Environmental Conservation police.

Rodney Chase and Matthew Chase, of Beacon Falls, are accused of running a taxidermy business without a license.

Authorities arrested the two men after a search warrant was executed at New England Wild Game – Deer Processing on Dec. 6.

Both men were charged with risk of injury to a child, criminal possession of a firearm, and possession of cannabis over the allowed limit and not stored in a secure area.

The charges include allegations that guns and ammunition were stored improperly in the home, according to Hearst Connecticut Media. Police found a 12-gauge shotgun leaning against a safe in the master bedroom along with ammunition and other guns on the kitchen counter.

A 14-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy live in the home where there were unsanitary conditions, Hearst reported. Police also reportedly found a large marijuana cultivation and processing area.

The facility's operators did not have a taxidermy license for 2024, according to a statement from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). All taxidermy facilities in Connecticut are required to have a permit from the state.

A 2025 taxidermy license for Matthew Chase was revoked by the state.

Any hunters that dropped off a deer for taxidermy or processing at this facility can assist with the investigation by contacting DEEP Environmental Conservation Investigator Kiely at 860-424-3333.

"We encourage all hunters to perform their own diligence in ensuring that their game animals are properly cared for and processed when they are legally harvested," according to the agency's statement.

All deer and turkey that are harvested are required to have a “Deer/Turkey Harvest Report” with the carcass until the animal has been processed for human consumption.

"These swift actions underscore DEEP’s commitment to upholding public safety and ensuring that no individual or entity can profit at the expense of the public’s health or safety, or Connecticut’s natural resources," according to the statement. "We would like to thank the local authorities for assisting DEEP in our efforts to protect public health, promote responsible hunting practices, and preserve the integrity of wildlife regulations for all Connecticut residents."