(Flagstaff, AZ) - The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking the public’s assistance in finding the individual or individuals responsible for illegally killing a large 4X4 mule deer buck in Game Management Unit 13B on the Arizona Strip.

The poaching occurred sometime during the night on November 5. The deer had been field dressed and then dumped, possibly in morning of November 6, on south River Road or Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Road 1069 approximately 6 miles south of the Arizona Utah border and about 12 miles due south of St. George Utah. Although deer season was open at the time of the incident, evidence found at the scene clearly indicates that this was done by poachers not legal deer hunters.

“We’re asking the public for any information they might have in helping us solve this case” says Wildlife Manager Luke Thompson. “This was a true once in a lifetime buck for a legal ethical hunter. “ Thompson adds, “Someone shot this animal multiple times for no apparent reason and then left it to waste in the desert, we have a good feeling that someone knows about this and we are asking them to step forward.”

Anyone with information about this incident can call the department’s Operation Game Thief Hotline toll free at (800) 352-0700 or use the online form at Arizona Fish and Game/Thief. Callers may be eligible for a reward of up to $2,500 in this case for information leading to the arrest of the violator(s). All calls may remain confidential upon request.

To learn more about Operation Game Thief, visit Arizona Fish and Game/Thief.