Texas Deer Hunters Stumble Across Marijuana Operation Worth $9 Million
OutdoorHub Reporters 07.18.13
A group of deer hunters accidentally discovered a large marijuana farm while setting up blinds in Madison County, Texas. Illegal marijuana operations are commonly established in the wild in order to avoid observation, but are often discovered by hikers and hunters. After identifying the alien foliage the hunters contacted the Madison County Sheriff’s office, who later confiscated over 18,400 plants from the site. According to the Associated Press, the farm is worth roughly $9 million in street value.
Authorities also found 3,000 feet of irrigation piping, 13 bags of fertilizer, and other farming equipment that has led the Sheriff’s office to believe the site was in operation for at least three years. Investigators say they also believe Mexican drug cartels are connected with the farm.
Wildlife agencies advise hunters, anglers, and hikers to be cautious if they find a suspected farming operation. Some of these illegal farms have armed guards patrolling the grounds and authorities are concerned that an accidental discovery could end in violence.
Keep an eye out for more than just deer, says Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Chief Warden Randy Stark.
“If you see tents, or camps, or anything of that nature, or buckets, irrigation materials, those types of things,” Stark warns to quickly leave the area and contact the appropriate authorities.
A recent study also found that the chemicals used in illegal marijuana farms are highly detrimental to a number of wildlife species, including fishers. The pesticides and rat poison used in these operations can negatively affect the environment and directly harm animals such as bobcats, stoats, badgers and mountain lions.
