Information Sought In Poaching Of Two Mule Deer

Arizona Game and Fish is seeking information regarding the poaching of two mule deer bucks south-east of Kingman in Game Management Unit 16A. Officers with Game and Fish need the public's help, and Operation Game Thief is offering up to a $750 reward for information leading to an arrest of those responsible for the crime.

"At first the investigating officer thought it was a single buck, but found the second after returning to the scene the next day," said Zen Mocarski, public information officer for the Game and Fish Region 3 office in Kingman. "The second was hidden in some tall grass."

The bucks were unlawfully shot between Nov. 17-19 off Blake Ranch Road on the Cane Springs Ranch. Both animals were left to waste. If found, those responsible may face criminal charges, including take of big game wildlife during a closed season and waste of game meat. After the case is adjudicated, those responsible also face a potential civil assessment by the Game and Fish Commission and possible license revocation.

Mocarski said the investigating officer believes both animals were taken by the same individual(s).

"It is important to remember this is not the act of a hunter," Mocarski stated. "Poaching is a crime. We are looking for additional information and are asking anyone with knowledge of this case to come forward. The eyes and ears of the public are critically important in bringing poachers to justice."

Anyone with information regarding this case, or any wildlife violation, should call the OGT hotline at (800) 352-0700. Web submissions can be reported via the Internet by going to http://www.azgfd.gov/thief. Identities will remain confidential. Anyone calling should reference case number 14-003583.