The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) has received a report of a 22-inch wide, 4-point buck that had been shot and stashed in a juniper tree on the Steamboat Mesa area of the Delores Triangle.
All of the meat had been left to rot.
This deer may have been the result of after-season poaching, or may have been “high-graded” during the November rifle season.
Steamboat Mesa is situated approximately 25 miles northeast of Moab on the Colorado border.
“Even though this buck was only 22 inches wide, he had the potential in the next few years to become a great trophy for someone who could have legally obtained it,” remarked Conservation Officer TJ Robertson, who investigated the report.
“This type of destruction can cause great damage to the deer population in the area, and lead to diminished opportunity for future generations.”
A reward of as much as $1,000 is being offered to anyone who provides information leading to the conviction of the person or persons responsible for this destruction.
For any further information about this case, please contact Conservation Officer TJ Robertson at 435-820-6015 or the UTIP hotline at 800-662-DEER (3337). The caller may remain anonymous.
Four-point, 22-inch buck shot, stashed in Utah tree
