DWR officers, top, pose with antlers from two bucks poached near Perkins Ranch. Bottom, buck poached and left to rot near Perkins Ranch.

SAN JUAN COUNTY — On November 26, 2011, wildlife officers received information about two illegally killed buck deer in the Perkins Ranch area. The officers located the deer near the crossroads of Montezuma Canyon and the Perkins Ranch Road. They determined both bucks were shot several times with a rifle approximately two days prior, on Thanksgiving Day. The responsible individuals had attempted to conceal the carcasses and abandoned them.

Both were mature buck deer. One was an 18-inch-wide 3 X 4, the other a large 3 X 3 measuring approximately 25 inches wide.

Anyone with information regarding the illegal killing of these animals, or any others, is encouraged to contact the UTiP Hotline at 800-662-3337. You may also contact your local conservation officer directly. The Utah Division of Wildlife is offering a reward for information which leads to a successful closure of this case. We will respect requests for confidentiality.

Every year, Utah conservation officers conduct numerous investigations into the illegal killing of wildlife. Thus far in 2011, officers have confirmed 830 illegally killed animals valued at over $617,000.

• Primary contact:
  Sgt. Justin Shirley
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  435-220-0526

• Additional contact:
  Lt. Carl Gramlich
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  435-820-6011