Date: 6/23/08
Contact: Edwin Lyngar
Phone: (775) 688-1548, 741-1004

NDOW SEEKS INFORMATION ON ANTELOPE POACHED AND LEFT TO WASTE NEAR SPARKS

Nevada game wardens are seeking any tips or information on at least three antelope found dead and left to rot just outside Sparks three miles southeast of the new Sports Complex off Vista Blvd.

The buck and two doe antelope were shot sometime late last week, most likely on Thursday evening, and game wardens discovered the antelope on Monday after a concerned citizen called Operation Game Thief.

“This is one of the most egregious cases I have seen in years,” said Dave Patula, a game warden from Reno investigating the case. “Not only did they shoot these animals out of season with no valid tag, they also just left these magnificent animals to rot. There is no reason or excuse for this kind of crime.”

During the investigation, wardens recovered bullets from several different firearms, and there were multiple bullets in each animal indicating more than one person was responsible. Game wardens are also seeking help from four men who were seen leaving the area in an older four-door pickup truck. These people are not suspects at this time, said Patula, but they are persons of interest in the case.

“We are serious about solving this crime,” said James Herndon, game warden captain and the head of Operation Game Thief. “Anyone willing to slaughter an animal
like this for fun, as a thrill kill, is the kind of person we want stopped. The OGT citizen’s board is offering a reward in this case, and I am hopeful someone knows something and can help us catch these people.”

Operation Game Thief is offering a reward of $1,000 for information that leads to the conviction of those responsible for this crime. Anyone with information can contact OGT at (800) 992-3030, and callers will remain anonymous.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.