National Park Service Seeks Information in Deer Poaching Case at Fort Bowie

Date: January 8, 2014
Contact: Julena Campbell, Public Affairs Officer, 520-824-3560, ext. 307

Bowie, AZ - In cooperation with the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the National Park Service (NPS) is seeking information in the investigation of the illegal killing of a mule deer at Fort Bowie National Historic Site (NHS) in November.

On Veterans Day, November 11, 2013, at approximately 2:30 pm, an unidentified male was witnessed by two park visitors as he dragged a gutted mule deer buck down the trail at Fort Bowie NHS. The subject told the other visitors that he had shot the deer. At the trailhead parking lot on Apache Pass Road, the subject loaded the deer into the back of a red, full size pickup truck with a silver tool box in the back. He then left the parking lot and headed towards the town of Bowie.

The visitors reported the crime to park rangers who investigated the area and found evidence that the deer was shot within the boundaries of Fort Bowie NHS. As a unit of the NPS, it is illegal to hunt within the site. Although most of the boundary is well marked, park rangers remind hunters that it is their responsibility to ensure he or she does not hunt within a closed area.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to call the Arizona Game and Fish Department Operation Game Thief Hotline at 1-800-352-0700. This toll-free hotline is available 24 hours a day to report wildlife violations. The case number to reference for the poaching at Fort Bowie NHS is 14-00076. Callers can remain anonymous and their confidentiality is protected. Cash rewards of up to $8000 are available to anyone providing information that leads to an arrest. Information on this crime or other hunting violations may also be reported online at www.azgfd.gov/ogt.

The NPS is entrusted with the preservation and protection of America's national treasures. Your assistance today will help ensure the special features of Fort Bowie NHS continue to be preserved for future generations to enjoy.