The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is seeking information relating to a doe mule deer that was illegally shot with archery equipment south of Afton.

The deer was discovered on Sunday, Sept. 2, about a mile west on the Fish Creek Road just north of Salt River Pass.

“We had someone from the public notify us that they had seen something a little weird,” said local Game Warden James Hobbs.

The subsequent investigation revealed a yearling doe carcus. Whomever had shot the animal had only taken the hind quarters and backstraps. The front shoulder meat and tenderloins were left to waste.
In addition, unless the hunter was a youth, shooting a doe in that hunting area was an illegal act, Hobbs said.

Antlerless deer can only be taken by youth hunters age 12-17 years old in the hunt area, according to Game and Fish regulations.

Anyone with possible information regarding this incident, or who was in the area and may have noted suspicious vehicles or activities, is encouraged to call Afton Game Warden, James Hobbs at 885-3717 or the STOP POACHING hotline at 1-877-WGFD-TIP. Callers may remain anonymous.

“We do offer and pay out rewards for tips and information in poaching cases,” said Hobbs.
“Every good hunter I know likes to be able to give a good hint or a tip if they know something,” he said. “I would love to hear about it.”

According to Hobbs, even if the deer was shot legally by a young hunter, there is concern that meat was left to waste.

“If there was some sort of circumstance that made this happen I would love to hear that as well just so we can clarify this,” he said.