Doe shot with arrow and left to die

The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Operation Game Thief program is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of the individual(s) responsible for illegally killing a doe.

Game and Fish personnel are investigating a case in which a doe was shot with an arrow and left to die during the deer opener on Aug. 21 at approximately 10:45 a.m. The incident took place in Game Management Unit 20A along Senator Highway between mileposts 6 and 7, just north of the 307 hiking trail. The location is six or seven miles south of downtown Prescott.

Virginia Gouldsbury, wildlife manager for unit 20A, explained the deer did not die quickly.

“After it was shot with the arrow, people witnessed this deer still walking around. This is a criminal act. Although it was the first day of the deer archery season, you aren’t allowed to take does,” Gouldsbury said. “However, this isn’t the act of a hunter; it’s the act of a poacher.

“This is theft from the residents of Arizona.”

The suspects were seen driving a relatively new dark blue, extended-cab pickup truck, possibly a Chevrolet. One suspect was described as balding, with short, graying hair. He is estimated to be between 35-45 years old, approximately 5-feet, 10-inches, and weighing between 255 and 265 pounds. He was wearing grayish camouflage pants and a green camouflage shirt.

The second suspect was seen only from behind and is estimated to be about 6 feet tall.
Gouldsbury explained the individuals responsible can be charged with take out of season and waste of game meat.

“We didn’t lose just the one deer,” Gouldsbury said, “we lost its future offspring as well. This is a solvable case, but we need a little help from the public.”

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact Operation Game Thief at (800) 352-0700. Calls can remain confidential upon request. Anyone with information is eligible for a reward of up to $1,500 upon arrest of the violator(s).