NEWS RELEASE
Nov. 14, 2024
EAGAR, Ariz. — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is seeking information about the poaching of a mule deer buck in Game Management Unit 1 near Nutrioso in the White Mountains on the afternoon of Nov. 10.
The buck was shot out of season with a rifle near Milligan Valley, a few miles west of Nutrioso. The head and backstraps were taken, and everything else was left to waste. A forest green Toyota 4-Runner was seen leaving the scene of the poached mule deer buck.
“If anyone has information regarding this egregious act, please report it,” said Wildlife Manager Kalyn Miller. “This is no action any hunter would take. This incident is the definition of poaching and they are stealing wildlife from the people of Arizona. If you have any information, please come forward and help Game and Fish officers bring those responsible to justice.”
AZGFD’s Operation Game Thief program encourages anyone with information about these cases or the illegal take of wildlife in Arizona to call its 24/7 hotline at (800) 352-0700 or visit www.azgfd.gov/ogt. Callers should reference case number 24-003177 for any information regarding this case. Callers may be eligible for a reward of $500 for information leading to an arrest in this case. Money for rewards comes from donations, court fines, and civil restitution by violators who commit wildlife crimes.
The Arizona Mule Deer Organization is also offering an additional $300 for information leading to an arrest in this case.
Note: Photo above is a file photo of a different mule deer buck.