
Ozark National Scenic Riverways is seeking assistance to identify the person or persons suspected of recent deer poaching violations/NPS
Scofflaws armed with high-powered rifles poached three deer at Ozark National Scenic Riverways in Missouri, shooting and killing the animals from the road and leaving the carcasses behind.
Rangers are asking anyone with knowledge of the killings last week to help them identify those responsible for the incidents in Carter County. Tipsters might qualify for a reward up to $5,000.
On November 23, park rangers were notified about three dead deer south of Big Spring. Two of the deer were located within the park, one near Chubb Hollow and the other south of Cataract Landing. The third deer was found on private property neighboring the park near Big Tree. All three were determined to have been shot from roadways with high-powered rifles at some time on November 22 or 23.
Although many national park sites prohibit hunting, Ozark National Scenic Riverways allows hunting in compliance with the Missouri Wildlife Code and welcomes hunters who use legal means to pursue and take game. However, it is a violation of the Missouri Wildlife Code to take or attempt to take any wildlife from or across a public roadway with a firearm, bow, or crossbow [3 CSR 10-7.405 (3)]. In addition, no person who takes or possesses any wildlife shall wantonly leave or abandon any portion of such wildlife commonly used as human food [3 CSR 10-4.110 (7)].
The National Park Service is offering up to $5,000 for information that leads to convictions in these poaching cases. If you have information that can help, please provide as much information as you can about the suspected poaching, including:
- Description of vehicles or persons observed at the scene
- Name of persons responsible or involved
- Any other pertinent information
- Caller’s contact information for compensation purposes
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