SANDOVAL COUNTY – On December 07, 2015 an anonymous caller reported that Dalton Strain from Jemez Springs had poached a 5×5 mule deer buck out of season. The caller provided pictures of the deer and a possible location to find the remains. NMDGF Officers investigated and upon serving a search warrant on Strain’s residence they found the skull, cape, and meat of the deer in Mr. Strain’s possession. Mr. Strain confessed to killing the deer illegally and was charged with hunting without a license, unlawful killing the deer out of season, and unlawful possession of the deer out of season. Mr. Strain was sentenced to pay $1,079 in fines in Sandoval Magistrate Court and the anonymous caller received a reward of $500 for providing evidence that helped lead to a conviction. The Department encourages anyone with information about violations of New Mexico’s wildlife laws to call Operation Game Thief toll-free, (800) 432-GAME (4263), or report poaching on-line at https://onlinesales.wildlife.state.nm.us/public/ogt. Callers can remain anonymous and earn rewards of up to $1,000 if information leads to charges being filed.
