Dozens of deer poached for antlers
Staff writer
Deer have been shot, their antlers harvested, and the carcasses left to rot in the field, wildlife officials confirmed Monday.
Deer poaching has occurred primarily in Morris County, but game warden Layne Watkins said a few complaints had been made in Chase County, too.
Watkins declined to say precisely how many deer have been poached, citing a still-active investigation.
He said it probably was less than 40, but reports still were coming in.
He also declined to specify a precise area where the deer were poached.
Other sources told the Record many of the deer have been killed on private land by unauthorized trespassers.
No poaching charges have been filed Watkins said.
Poaching is a serious offense that, under state law, can result in a fine of not less than $5,000 per animal poached.
One person involved in a poaching operation, investigated for four years, was fined $45,000 and forbidden to hunt for 10 years.
Operation Game Thief, operated by Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, allows people to turn in poachers without identifying themselves or testifying in court.
Poachers are not poor people trying to feed their families, the department says. They are more likely to kill for profit, poach as a rebellion against wildlife laws, or kill simply for a thrill.
Firearm season for hunting deer in 2024 will be Dec. 4 to 15. A hunting permit is required.
Permits sell for $52.50 for state residents; $32.50 for landowners or tenants; $97.50 for nonresident tenants; and $22.50 for residents 15 and younger.
Permits for nonresidents sell for $127.50 for hunters 16 and old and older, and $42.50 for hunters 15 and younger.
A permit is good for only one white-tailed deer and one antlerless white-tailed deer.