Reward offered in South Carson deer poaching

A $2,500 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whomever is responsible for deer poaching in South Carson City.

The Humane Society of the United States has put up the reward after game wardens discovered one dead buck Jan. 12, and tracked the trails of at least seven other injured deer in the Voltaire Canyon area.

It's clear from the evidence at the scene that many more were shot, according to the Nevada Department of Wildlife.

"We're looking for one good tip to help us catch the person who did this," said Chief Game Warden Rob Buonamici. "These animals belong to everyone in the state, and the public should be outraged at the needless waste of resources. In a case like this, some member of the public who maybe doesn't even realize they have the right piece of information we need."

A game warden was on routine patrol when he discovered the first buck, shot and left to waste. Upon further investigation, the warden discovered the trail of at least seven other deer that were shot. Investigators spent five days covering the shooting area of more than 4 square miles, but were unable to locate other carcasses. The evidence indicated that the deer were likely shot by the same person from the same location.

There also were several deer found shot in the vicinity last year.

"Poachers callously disregard the laws in place to protect wildlife," said Holly Haley, Nevada state director for The HSUS. "The Humane Society of the United States commends the Nevada (Department) of Wildlife for their tireless work to find those responsible for this serious crime."

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Operation Game Thief at (800) 992-3030. Callers may remain anonymous.

Operation Game Thief provides a confidential, easy and effective way for reporting wildlife violations to the Nevada Department of Wildlife, 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week.

Just like Secret Witness, it's confidential - callers can remain anonymous.

Callers providing information will be assigned a unique case number which allows them to obtain status reports on the case. The number also allows for eventual collection of a reward if offered. To report any wildlife violation, call (800) 992-3030.

According to the Humane Society:

• Every year, thousands of poachers are arrested nationwide; however, it is estimated that only 1-5 percent of poached animals are discovered by law enforcement.

• Poachers injure or kill wildlife anytime, anywhere and sometimes do so in particularly cruel ways. Wildlife officials report that poachers often commit other crimes as well.