A mule deer was shot and left to be eaten by other animals northwest of Cochrane and outside of rifle hunting season. Authorities are now asking the public for tips. In the evening of Sept.
A mule deer was shot and left to be eaten by other animals northwest of Cochrane and outside of rifle hunting season.
Authorities are now asking the public for tips.
In the evening of Sept. 15, a bow hunter saw a blue Dodge truck parked on Township Road 272 east of Grand Valley Road.
While still sitting in the truck, the driver shot the mule deer, according to the witness who reported the incident to Alberta Fish and Wildlife.
The mule deer ran a short distance into a field and died, the witness said.
The Dodge truck is believed to have been gas-fuelled (rather than diesel) and was pulling a trailer with a truck on it.
The shooter abandoned the deer, and it was consumed by other animals prior to being located again by officers.
Fish and Wildlife authorities said rifle season for antlered mule deer does not open until Nov. 1 and requires a special licence.
"Fish and wildlife officers are dedicated to combating poaching activity. However, conservation of our natural resources is a shared responsibility, and tips from the public go a long way towards helping bring poachers to justice," said Brendan Cox on behalf of Alberta Fish and Wildlife.
Cox said charges could be laid under the Wildlife Act, and in that case, the accused must go to court.
"If there is a conviction, the court will determine the appropriate penalty," Cox said.
The maximum penalty under the legislation is $50,000 in fines, one year in jail or both.
If anyone has any information that may lead to the apprehension of the individual(s) involved in this or any other wildlife violations, they can call the 24 Report a Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800 or visit the Report A Poacher web page at
alberta.ca/report-poacher.aspx. Callers (as well as those sending information through the website) can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward.
