NOVEMBER 4, 2015

$500 reward offered for information on mule deer doe poached near Lake Pleasant

Bookmark and Share

PEORIA, Arizona – The Arizona Game and Fish Department is offering a $500 reward for information leading to an arrest in the poaching of a mule deer doe discovered near 87th Avenue and Carefree Highway, east of the Pleasant Harbor Marina on State Trust Land.

Game and Fish investigators estimate the doe was killed sometime from Oct. 3-5. The doe appeared to have been killed where it lay, rather than having been transported.

“We believe this was a ‘thrill kill,’ meaning someone shot it for fun,” said Lainie Antolik, wildlife manager. “The carcass was completely intact, and no meat was taken.”

“Poachers are criminals who steal from you, the citizens of Arizona. This is not the work of a hunter,” AZGFD Spokesperson Amy Burnett said. “Since the deer was shot in a well-traveled area popular with recreationists, we’re hoping someone heard something suspicious or saw a post on social media that may help us solve this crime.”

The department relies on Arizona residents to assist in the reduction of wildlife violations. If you have any information or knowledge of this incident, please contact the department’s Operation Game Thief hotline at 1-800-352-0700 and refer to case #15-003229, or visit www.azgfd.gov/ogt.shtml. Every year, the department pays cash rewards to individuals who report wildlife crimes in Arizona. Callers can remain anonymous and their confidentiality is protected. Money for rewards comes from criminal poaching fines, civil restitution by violators who commit wildlife crimes, and donations.

readers love sonoran news