2 Charged For Illegally Snare Trapping And Killing Deer In California

California wildlife officials say a tip from the public led to the arrests of two people for illegally trapping three deer, including a buck, and killing them using knives and sticks.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife said officers launched an investigation into illegal deer trapping activity in the Monterey area after receiving a tip from the public. Investigators found evidence corroborating the tip, including snare traps, blood, and drag marks on the ground indicating a deer had been killed and removed from the scene.

Wildlife officers began monitoring the area at night and on the second night, July 13, detained two suspects found servicing the traps.

The officers seized knives, antlers, four snares, and deer meat as evidence. According to investigators, the suspects used snare traps to capture and kill three deer, and allegedly admitted one of those was a buck that they killed with knives and sticks.

The suspects, whose identities were not immediately released, were booked into the Monterey County Jail on charges of “numerous” wildlife crimes including unlawful method of take, hunting without a license, take of deer using a trap and hunter trespassing.

“Cases like this are an example of how wildlife officers act on, and rely on, complaints and information submitted by the public,” the agency said.