The Nevada Department of Wildlife is offering a $500 reward for information on 14 ducks found killed and left to waste near the Gardnerville Ranchos.
The ducks were found March 12 off Tillman Lane near the water tower.
Game warden Reid Varble who is stationed in Gardnerville said Tuesday none of the ducks were field cleaned and several were still attached to a duck strap that was also abandoned.
"This crime really disgusts me," Varble said. "There is no reason to let meat rot and take these birds from sportsmen and taxpayers."
Operation Game Thief is offering a $500 reward for information on the crime.
Anyone with information is asked to contact (800) 992-3030. Callers may remain anonymous.
"We really need the public's help in cases like these," Varble said.
Department spokesman Edwin Lyngar said the agency was alerted to the slaughter by a person who found the dead ducks.
"We can't really ascertain when or where they were killed," Lyngar said. "We do know somebody out there knows who did it, and we hope they come forward."
Game warden Jim Herndon, who administers Operation Game Thief, said if the
poacher is convicted, he or she could face a variety of fines for being over the limit, hunting in a closed season, unlawful possession and illegally harvesting.
"I have no idea why anybody would do this," Herndon said. "These people are not hunters. Hunters are ethical people, poachers are not. These are people wasting resources that belong to all the people of Nevada. I don't like to have hunters painted with a broad brush."
