Game wardens at the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) are seeking the public’s help to solve the illegal killing of a doe mule deer around July 15 just outside of Caliente on Clover Canyon Road.
The doe, which appears to have a bullet wound behind its’ left shoulder, was found near the irrigation ditches which supply water to farms in the canyon. It appears the doe was placed on this trail to hide it from the nearby road.
“This type of needless wildlife crime occurs too often and is unacceptable,” said Tyler Turnipseed, Chief Game Warden at NDOW. “The waste of the animal is a separate crime that makes this incident all that much more egregious.”
The crime was discovered on July 16 by a family who happened upon the carcass while driving down Clover Canyon Road. Only the hind quarters were removed with the rest of the meat left to waste. Illegally killing a big game animal is a felony in Nevada with fines ranging from $250 to upwards of $30,000 and can also include one to four years in prison and additional civil penalties. Leaving the animals to waste is a separate crime on top of the killing, punishable by up to a year in jail and $500 fine.
“There are many people who recreate in this area, so we think someone may have seen something that might help us catch these criminals,” said Turnipseed. “We depend on sportsmen to help us solve these types of crimes because we can’t be everywhere at all times. This kind of senseless act should prompt outrage from the hunting community. If you saw or heard anything with regards to this case please call our OGT hotline at (800) 992-3030.”
To report wildlife crime, sportsmen and members of the public can call OGT at (800) 992-3030. Follow Turnipseed on Twitter for the most up to date information on investigations @Chief_GW_NV.
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, and promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. Find us on Facebook, Twitter or visit us at www.ndow.org.
