The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Law Enforcement Section has seen a surge in deer poaching cases involving significant overlimits. Several recent cases are described where groups of individuals have been poaching deer, often mature bucks, for their antlers over many years on wildlife habitats. Law enforcement strategies to address poaching include increasing patrols of targeted winter ranges, public outreach campaigns, and pursuing the most egregious violators with felony charges. The section works to support wildlife management goals through enforcement of regulations and protection of wildlife and their habitats.

1. Utah Division of Wildlife
Resources
Law Enforcement Section

2. Law Enforcement Section
• Utah’s statewide deer management
plan specifically directs the Division to,
“Support law enforcement efforts to
educate the public concerning
poaching and reduce illegal taking of
deer.”

3. Law Enforcement Section
What is our role in wildlife
management?
– We enforce regulations in
support of DWR management
practices and Wildlife Board
policy
– We level the playing field and
ensure equal access to the
state’s wildlife
– We protect the investment of
Utah sportsmen
– We protect vital wildlife habitat

4. Utah Division of Wildlife
Resources
In recent years, Wildlife officers have seen a surge in deer
poaching cases involving significant overlimits.

5. West Desert (Vernon Unit)
Tooele County
• Case Number 2009-000966
– Four subjects were reported to have been illegally taking mule
deer from the West Desert (Skull Valley, Stansbury and Cedar
Mountain Ranges) for over 20 years.
– Subjects primarily killed mature buck mule deer beginning in
November until the deer shed their antlers.
– The group would “take turns“ killing deer. After the deer were
killed, the antlers were often sawed off, hidden and retrieved at a
later date.
– It is also believed that the subjects would use other persons
permits to illegally take wildlife during open season.

6. West Desert (Vernon Unit)
Tooele County
– Several search warrants
have been served at
various locations. Over 90
animals were seized,
including Mule Deer,
Antelope and Elk.
– Currently, six individuals
face numerous felony
counts including:
• The RICO ACT
• Wanton Destruction of Protected
Wildlife
• Aiding / Assisting Wanton
Destruction of Protected Wildlife
• Tampering With Witnesses
• Obstruction of Justice

7. Diamond Valley
Washington County
• Case Number 2009-000885
– DWR officers were contacted by a
concerned citizen regarding suspected
deer poaching near diamond valley.
– DWR Officers ultimately confirmed five
poached deer (4 does and a buck) at
Esplin Vineyard.
– Five individuals were arrested and
charged with wanton destruction of
protected wildlife for their involvement in
the case.

8. Sand Mountain (Vernon Unit)
Juab County
• Case Number 2008- 120101
– Resulted from call to UTiP Hotline
– Four individuals were ultimately charged with multiple felony
counts of Wanton Destruction of Protected Wildlife
– Deer were being killed at night on winter range
– 17 buck deer heads were seized as a result of the investigation

9. Panguitch Deer Case
Garfield County
• Case Number 2009-000308
– Case resulted after receiving a call from a concerned citizen
– Two individuals were charged with killing nine deer and two
pronghorn

10. Trends
– Winter Ranges targeted and buck/doe ratios affected
– Deer are often shot and left to be later retrieved
– All cases were brought to our attention by concerned
citizens
– In some cases multiple generations of the same family were
involved

11. Strategies
– Decrease social acceptance of poaching – increased emphasis on
outreach. We strive to increase voluntary compliance
– Prioritized placing officers in vacant districts and added personnel
where possible, i.e. Book Cliffs
– We will better define the role of our investigators and focus them
on the most egregious violators
– Further working to streamline administrative processes to
maximize patrol time
– Work to increase patrol efforts on targeted winter ranges,
addressing any threats to vulnerable, wintering deer
– Explore opportunities to create a public safety awareness
campaign in an effort to reduce car/deer collisions

12. Additional Efforts
– Habitat Protection
• OHV Enforcement in regard to habitat
destruction has been prioritized in field patrol
efforts
• We prioritize enforcement of road closures on
DWR wildlife management areas to minimize
impacts upon vulnerable wintering deer
• OHV education is an integral part of our online
antler-gathering education course

13. Additional Efforts
– DWR conservation officers continue to
assist other sections in the completion of
their mission by assisting with non-
enforcement duties

14. Our Impact
– Wildlife management practices on trophy units
could not be successful without the protection
that we provide.
– We deter potential violators and ensure equal
opportunity to the state’s wildlife
– We serve as partners with ethical sportsmen in
protecting their investment
– We work to ensure adequate habitat to support
vulnerable deer herds