Public's Help Sought in Trophy Mule Deer Poaching Case

More questions than answers surround a poaching case that left a trophy mule deer buck dead along the Boise River. The animal likely died sometime around November 7th and Fish and Game officers are appealing to the public for information that will solidify this poaching case. Citizens Against Poaching (CAP) is offering a reward for information in the case and callers can remain anonymous. Contact CAP at 1-800-632-5999 twenty four hours a day. In addition to the CAP hotline, persons with information regarding this case may also contact the Fish and Game Nampa office at 208-465-8465 weekdays and Idaho State Police at 208-846-7550 on weekends. The dead buck was discovered lying next to the Boise River near Linder Road, not far from Eagle Island State Park. "The buck was killed with a bullet from a high powered rifle," conservation officer Rob Brazie noted. "But the evidence suggests that the buck was only wounded by the shot, and that it then ran off and died at this location." Deer hunting in the Linder Road area is for short-range weapons only - high powered rifles are excluded - and the buck season closed weeks ago. The unique antlers on the buck were likely its downfall, but may help bring the poacher(s) to justice. "I'm hopeful that someone will recognize the distinct antlers on this trophy buck and be able to provide us with additional information regarding this poaching case," Brazie said.