Price area poaching continues

PRICE — During this particularly difficult winter, wildlife have been stalked by both starvation and the poacher's gun. In the Price area, senseless killing of deer continues, as they huddle together on snowbound winter ranges, trying to survive freezing temperatures and belly-deep snow.

The Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) just received a report, coming from gas workers in the Coal Creek area northeast of Price. Two does and a buck were found shot to death near a well. The carcasses had been left to waste. The killing presumably occurred in mid-February. DWR officers found evidence at the scene and are currently pursuing leads.

In another case, conservation officers are also seeking information about the senseless killing of a fawn deer in the Wattis area, less than 10 miles south of Price. This deer was shot sometime during the last week of February and was likewise left to waste.

Wanton slaughter of deer, when they are the most vulnerable, contributes to the decimation of local deer herds. Wildlife belongs to us all, and we are the guardians of this resource and heritage. Please join us in stopping the reckless waste of animal life. If you have any information about the above-mentioned shootings, please contact Sgt. Stacey Jones at 435-820-6445 or 1-800-662-DEER. A $1,000 reward is being offered for the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible. The caller's identity and all other information received will be held in the strictest confidentiality.