The boy, who was not named because of his age, had been cited for taking a cow moose during a closed season in connection with the February incident, troopers said.
Troopers say an investigation determined the family dog had been barking at and aggravating the moose, causing it to charge the dog for some 20 feet before it stopped and ceased being aggressive.
The dog was back at the family's home and no longer in danger when the boy got his .22-caliber rifle and shot the moose, "killing it instantly," troopers said. The shooting did not represent a legitimate defense of life or property killing, troopers said.
The youth was sentenced to 30 hours of community service and will be required to complete a hunter education course before he can get a hunting license, troopers said.
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