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TUCSON, Ariz. – Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) officers recently apprehended two Tucson area men in their 30s for poaching three white tailed deer, one of which had twin fawns, for a total of five dead deer in the illegal killings.
On August 23, 2014, an AZGFD Operation Game Thief report was submitted by an archery deer hunter who had discovered three deer that appeared to be shot with a rifle a day or two earlier. Archery deer season had opened August 22, but no rifle hunts were allowed at that time.
During the investigation, officers were given a tip about one suspect through the Operation Game Thief Hotline. Through their investigation of the evidence left at the scene and interviews, the officers investigated two men who later admitted to killing the five deer. Evidence from the investigation also revealed that the suspects committed over 150 game violations from the summer of 2013 to the summer of 2014, including the poaching of 15 deer and many other small game species, reptiles, a hawk, a bobcat and a fox. Charges for the case are pending at this time.
Operation Game Thief and a concerned citizen initially offered up to $1,500 for information leading to an arrest in the case, and the Arizona chapter of Safari Club International and the Arizona Deer Association followed with each offering $500 for a conviction. The Mule Deer Foundation, Rincon Outfitters and another concerned citizen later pledged an additional $600 in reward money for a conviction, bring the grand total in rewards offered to $3,100.
“Poaching is not hunting, it’s stealing wildlife from the citizens of the state,” said Regional Supervisor Raul Vega of Game and Fish in Tucson. “We are grateful that those with information about the case came forward, and for the contributions made by groups and individuals toward rewards. With hunting season underway, this case is an unfortunate reminder that no true sportsman would tolerate this kind of conduct.”
The maximum penalty for poaching is six months in jail and a $750 fine for each violation. Civil penalties, as well as hunting and fishing license revocations, may also be imposed.
Individuals with information about wildlife violations are urged to call Operation Game Thief at 1-800-352-0700, 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week, anonymously if need be, and reference OGT#14-2362. Information may also be provided on-line at http://www.azgfd.gov/ogt_form.shtml
Redington Pass in the Coronado National Forest east of Tucson is used by hunters, Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) riders, recreational shooters and hikers.
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