The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Operation Game Thief is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest in the case of a mule deer buck found dead March 7 off Arizona 76 near Redington Road.
Acting on a tip, wildlife officers found the buck beneath of bridge over a wash in an area frequented by target shooters. The deer was intact, and apparently had been shot. Evidence was recovered at the scene.
Illegal take of wildlife is punishable by up to a $750 fine and six months in jail under state law.
“Poachers are not hunters. They are thieves stealing wildlife from the citizens of Arizona,” said Regional Supervisor Raul Vega of Game and Fish in Tucson. “This appears to be a crime of opportunity that we will investigate further with the public’s help.”
Individuals with information about the case are asked to contact Operation Game Thief at 1-800-352-0700, anonymously if they want. They should reference OGT#17-000557.
