Deer-Herding Complaint Against Minnesota Dentist Fizzles Out

MINNEAPOLIS - The Minnesota dentist who killed a well-known lion in Zimbabwe won't be charged in connection with complaints of illegal hunting activity near his property.

The state's Department of Natural Resources said Thursday that investigators did not find enough evidence to support charges or a warning against Walter Palmer for allegedly herding deer. The agency was investigating a November report that a pickup truck had chased deer inside his land in northwestern Minnesota.

Chasing or herding deer with a vehicle is punishable by a $200 fine in Minnesota.

Department spokesman Chris Niskanen says they couldn't find the truck in question. He also says Palmer and his land manager declined to speak with the department about the alleged incident.

A representative for Palmer referred to an earlier statement calling the complaint false.