Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALINA, Sevier County — Division of Wildlife Resources officials are seeking the public's help in identifying those responsible for illegally killing a buck mule deer and leaving it to waste.
The poaching incident occurred during the middle of December in the foothills southeast of Salina, DWR said. The buck deer was shot and killed, and its head was removed. The rest of the animal had been left to waste.
DWR said several large bucks have been wintering in the area.
"This time of year is critical for deer survival," DWR said. "Unfortunately, the animals are more visible — and therefore more susceptible to poachers — as they spend time in lower-elevation winter rangelands."
During the winter months, DWR conservation officers conduct massive patrols on winter ranges to help protect the deer during their vulnerable season. The patrols will continue until the deer shed their antlers in the spring.
Anyone with information about the poaching incident can call the UTIP hotline at 1-800-662-3337 or email the information to toturninapoacher@utah.gov. Rewards are often available for information leading to the successful prosecution of wildlife crimes, and tipsters can remain anonymous.
