In the late evening hours of Wednesday, December 26, 1990, a dedicated public servant met a tragic end in the Pleasant Grove area of Wayne County, Mississippi. Conservation Officer Hilton H. 'Ike' Shoemake, a 56-year-old male, was on duty when the incident that claimed his life unfolded. With 13 years of service to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, Officer Shoemake was a respected figure, also serving as the manager of the Lake Bogue Homa area.
On that fateful night, at approximately 10:30 p.m., Officer Shoemake confronted a man who was illegally spotlighting deer. This dangerous practice involves shining a bright light into a deer's eyes, causing it to freeze and making it an easy target. During this confrontation, the poacher fired a. 270 caliber rifle, fatally wounding Officer Shoemake. The man responsible for his death was later apprehended and brought to justice.
The individual who shot Officer Shoemake was subsequently sentenced to 20 years in prison for his crime. He would not complete his full sentence, however, as he died in prison in 2001. Officer Shoemake was survived by his wife and three children, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated service and the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
