WELLTON, AZ – The Arizona Game and Fish Department is calling on the community to assist in a deer poaching investigation that took place in Yuma County during the week of Sept. 17. An adult mule deer buck was found dead near East County 7½ Street, close to an agricultural field just north of Interstate 8.
Reward details and how to report
To encourage tips, the department is offering up to $500 for information that leads to an arrest. The Arizona Mule Deer Foundation is matching that amount with an additional $500 for information that results in a conviction, bringing the total possible reward to $1,000.
Anyone with relevant information should call the Operation Game Thief hotline at 1‑800‑352‑0700 or submit a tip online at azgfd.gov/ogt. Callers may remain anonymous, and they are asked to reference case number OGT #26‑002960 when reporting.
Why the case matters to Arizonans
“Poachers are thieves who steal resources from every Arizonan,” said wildlife manager Matthew Waunch. “It is everyone’s duty to report this type of violation.” The illegal killing not only deprives the ecosystem of a native animal but also undermines the rights of law‑abiding hunters who follow state regulations.
Donald Pelfrey, Arizona regional director for the Mule Deer Foundation, added, “Poaching is not hunting. It is a crime that steals directly from the citizens of Arizona.” The statement underscores the department’s view that wildlife crimes are violations of property rights and community stewardship.
Legal hunting requirements
For those who enjoy hunting, Arizona law requires a valid hunting license, a tag obtained through the big‑game draw or over‑the‑counter for archery, and a Game Management Unit selection from the department. These safeguards ensure that only authorized individuals may harvest deer, preserving the species for future generations.
How locals can help
Residents who were in the area—whether hunters, off‑highway vehicle riders, or field workers—may have seen or heard something that could aid investigators. Even a brief observation, such as an unusual vehicle or a suspicious sound, could prove valuable.
The department encourages anyone with a tip, no matter how small, to come forward. By working together, the community can help protect Arizona’s wildlife and hold illegal poachers accountable.
About the Arizona Game and Fish Department
The Arizona Game and Fish Department is the state agency responsible for conserving wildlife, managing habitats, and enforcing hunting and fishing regulations. Its Operation Game Thief program focuses on investigating and prosecuting wildlife crimes throughout the state.
Original reporting: azfamily KTVK/KPHO Phoenix (news) — read the source article.
