Mule Deer Doe Poached Near Forest Lakes

PINETOP, Ariz. -- The Arizona Game And Fish Department (AZGFD) is asking for the public's help in finding those responsible for the illegal killing of a mule deer doe the week of Sept. 9. The mule deer was found off Old Rim Road on the west end of Forest Lakes. The deer was killed with archery equipment.

At the time of the poaching, there was an archery antlered mule deer hunt underway. The meat was left to waste.

"The poacher left this animal to waste, and we need assistance from the public to find the individual(s) responsible," says Paul Greer, AZGFD Wildlife Manager in the Pinetop Region. "This isn't the action of a hunter; it's the act of a criminal stealing wildlife assets and resources from the people of Arizona."

Anyone with information about this case can call the department's Operation Game Thief hotline at (800) 352-0700 or visit http://www.azgfd.gov/thief and refer to case #15-002959. Callers may be eligible for a reward of up to $500 in this case. All calls may remain confidential upon request.