California Deer Association Offers Reward to Catch Poachers
OutdoorHub 08.30.12
On behalf of the California Deer Association’s (CDA’s) 6,000 members, CDA is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the poacher or poachers who in the last three weeks poached four very large bucks. Three of the bucks were poached within the city limits of Susanville and the other was poached near the city. All of the bucks were within 50 yards of houses. According to CDA President, Jerry Springer, “The individual or individuals who committed these crimes are stealing wildlife from all Californians and we expect them to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
The most useful information from witnesses would be license plate numbers, vehicle and suspect descriptions, time, location and last known direction of travel. Call the Californians Turn in Poachers and Polluters (CalTIP) line at (888) 334-2258.
Here are details of the poaching incidents:
On Sunday, August 19, a trophy buck was killed with a crossbow in the area of South Spring Street. Warden Buckler worked with Susanville Police Department officers and Lassen County Sheriff’s Office deputies to track blood and gather evidence. Warden Buckler discovered a crossbow arrow, or bolt, buried in the buck. The crossbow bolt is being analyzed for forensic evidence.
Another buck was shot with a bow and arrow on Center Road, just west of High Desert State Prison. A third buck was killed with an arrow on McGowan Lane near Commercial Street. A fourth dead buck was recently reported to be located on Skyline Road near Lassen Community College.
Also, on Sunday, August 27, a large buck was found shot and wounded with a bow and arrow in the area of North Gilman Street in Susanville. Warden Buckler, DFG Lt. Carol Growdon, DFG Environmental Scientist Brian Ehler and local veterinarian Boyd Taylor worked with several Susanville residents who stepped forward to help. Together they sedated the buck, removed the arrow from the flesh of its ear, treated its wounds and released the animal.