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Deer illegally shot with a fishing arrow

Posted at 3:12 PM, Dec 11, 2018
and last updated 2018-12-11 17:12:11-05
Deer illegally shot with a fishing arrow (FWP photo)
Deer illegally shot with a fishing arrow (FWP photo)

(BILLINGS) Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks said in a press release that it is offering a reward of as much as $1,000 for information about a mule deer buck that was killed illegally with a fishing arrow over the weekend in a Lockwood residential area.

FWP game warden Connor Langel said someone shot the buck with a fishing arrow, which had string still attached, near Hemlock Lane northeast of the school complex in Lockwood. The deer was shot either late Sunday, December 9, or early Monday morning, Langel said. The buck had six points on one side and a broken antler on the other. Those responsible for poaching the deer apparently did not try to retrieve any part of the deer.

No laws or seasons would allow hunting or shooting a deer in Lockwood over the weekend, Langel said.

Anyone with information about the poaching is encouraged to call Langel at (406) 860-7805 or FWP’s 24-hour crime-reporting line at 1-800-TIP-MONT (800-847-6668). Those who call with information leading to a conviction of the persons responsible for the illegal waste qualify for a cash reward. Callers may remain anonymous.

On its website, FWP provides the following information about poaching:

Poaching is the illegal killing of fish or wildlife. It can include illegal killing of fish or wildlife:

  • for commercial trade
  • for ego gratification
  • in closed areas, during closed times, or taking more than the law allows

Poachers:

  • reduce recreational opportunities for law abiding anglers, hunters, wildlife watchers, and other outdoor enthusiasts
  • kill and waste Montana game animals, threatened and endangered species, and even nongame animals
  • target Montana’s fish and wildlife resource for personal profit
  • Poaching robs law abiding hunters of game and fish, businesses and taxpayers of revenues generated by hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing recreation, and it denies many other Montanans the ability to enjoy seeing healthy, mature fish and wildlife populations.