Poachers sought in string of cases involving deer, elk

RENO -- Game wardens are searching for suspects in a string of poaching cases around Reno over the past month.

The most recent cases involve the illegal shootings of a mule deer doe found Nov. 15 near Red Rock, north of Reno, and a buck deer found Nov. 6 near Mustang, east of Reno.

Nevada Department of Wildlife officials said both animals were left to waste, and only the antlers of the buck were taken. Two other buck deer and a male antelope were shot and left to rot in areas around Reno in the last month.

"We worry when we get so many similar crimes in our backyard," said Rob Buonamici, chief game warden.

Poachers were blamed for the deaths of two elk earlier this month in northern Elko County near the Idaho line. The cow elk and a calf were shot in the head with a high powered rifle and left to waste.

Investigators believe the animals were shot Nov. 6.

Those with information can contact Operation Game Thief at (800) 992-3030.