Holmes County business's moose mascot beheaded by a chain saw; reward offered

MOUNT HOPE — It’s not exactly the crime of the century, but it is enough to make one wonder what would lead someone to do such a thing.

Junior Yoder, owner of the Cabin Store in Mount Hope, wasn’t sure whether or not to call the game warden or the county sheriff  after someone poached the store mascot.

Yoder is offering a $500 reward for the return of Timber the Moose’s head, which was cut off with a chain saw by a poacher.

No one heard the buzz at moose head was chopped by a chain saw

“Somebody came by and cut Timber’s head off with a chain saw,” Yoder said. “He was innocently standing by the side of the road doing his thing, advertising for the cabin store, and someone came along and poached his head. We have a $500 gift card for the store if someone comes up with Timber’s head.”

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Yoder said Timber the Moose was manning his station at 7860 State Route 241 when he met his untimely demise. The headless carcass was discovered by a neighbor who contacted Yoder, who began looking into the despicable act.

Customers with information about Timber can claim their reward at the store.

The Cabin Store features rustic furnishings, including log furniture made of Rocky Mountain aspens, fireplace mantels, lodge rugs and reclaimed barn wood furniture, as well as maple syrup and many accessories. The entrance to the store features wooden sidewalks, similar to what Yoder experienced on a visit to Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

The Cabin Store began on the top floor of Yoder’s family barn in 2013, and moved to its present location just south of downtown Mount Hope in 2017. The store is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays.