8/30/2007

Information needed to solve deer poaching

FLAGSTAFF -- The Arizona Game and Fish Department is asking for the public's help in finding a poacher that killed a mule deer doe on Aug. 24 or 25, along Lake Mary Road south of Mormon Lake. The poaching occurred about one mile south of the Kinnikinick Lake turnoff near milepost 319. 

The deer was shot with a high caliber rifle and left in the field to waste. A field investigation found that the female deer had been nursing newborn fawns. The poaching took place during the opening weekend of archery deer season and probably occurred in the evening of the 24th or the early morning hours of the 25th.

"This is a blatant example of poachers' disrespect for wildlife, and the laws and seasons that are established to protect our wildlife resources," said Larry Phoenix, Game and Fish field supervisor. "We are asking the public to help us catch the poacher. If you were in the area recently, please think back about anything you might have seen or heard, or any conversations you might have had. Maybe someone doesn't realize he or she has the key to solving this case. Poaching of wildlife is considered a major loss for the residents of Arizona and our wildlife resources."

Anyone with information about this poaching incident can call the department's Operation Game Thief hotline toll free at (800) 352-0700. Callers may be eligible for a reward up to $250 in this case.  All calls may remain confidential upon request.