Big Horn Sheep Poaching

Crime was committed in Game Management Unit 39.

BUCKEYE, Ariz. - The Arizona Game And Fish Department (AZGFD) is seeking information about the recent poaching of a mature desert bighorn sheep ram in Game Management Unit 39 in the Buckeye Hills at Gillespie Dam, south of Buckeye.

The incident took place in the evening of July 10. AZGFD officials have reason to believe a group of five Asian males seen leaving the scene at approximately 8:30 p.m. in a gray sedan and a black sport utility vehicle may be involved in this incident.

"We rely heavily on the assistance of the public in coming forward with information, and we are hopeful that a tip could lead us to those responsible for this heinous criminal act," said Ryan Randall, wildlife manager. "This is a horrible waste of the state's most precious resource, its wildlife."

Anyone with information about this case can call the AZGFD's Operation Game Thief hotline at 800-352-0700 and refer to case #21-002114.

Callers can remain anonymous upon request and may be eligible for a reward up to $1,500 for information that leads to an arrest in this case through the Operation Game Thief program. The Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society is offering an additional reward of $1,000 for information that leads to a conviction.