Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Wardens are looking for anyone with information regarding three Pronghorn antelope that were shot south of the small village of Maple, in southern Bailey County.
Late Sunday evening, a Lubbock district Game Warden received a call regarding one male and two female Pronghorn that were killed on private property. The large game animals were shot in a winter wheat field along highway 596, a rural two lane paved road.
A similar poaching incident took place in the same county involving pronghorn antelope roughly three months ago. That investigation is currently pending as the wardens continue to assemble the many pieces of the crime. Lubbock district public information officer Aaron Sims explains that wildlife crimes can be particularly difficult to solve due to the lack of eye witnesses. “Many of these heinous crimes against wildlife take place in rural areas where the human populations are low, leaving only the bodies of the animals to tell the story of the crime.” Sims also points out that many of the same forensic tactics wardens employ, mirror homicide detectives. “Approaching a wildlife crime scene is similar to a homicide in the way you investigate. Snapping numerous pictures, searching for shell casings, and retrieving bullet fragments from within the body cavity of the animal are just some of the items that we as Game Wardens look to collect.”
Additionally, Sims spoke about the cruel aspect of this specific poaching incident. “Unfortunately, it appears these pronghorn were shot with a small caliber .22 or similar size rifle, and were not initially fatal shots. Most of the gunshot wounds were to the rear of the animals, which more than likely made them suffer in pain for several hours before they eventually succumb to their wounds.”
Nearby residents are encouraged to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity relating to illegally taken wildlife, as the violation(s) may occur again in the area.
The public can report any information regarding this investigation as well as future violations that may take place. Tips can be anonymously reported via the Operation Game Thief hotline by calling 1-800-792-4263 (GAME). OGT offers rewards of up to $1,000.00 for information leading to the arrest and conviction for a wildlife crime.
(News release from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department)
