Osage County Game Warden Searching For Deer Poacher

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is seeking information about an illegally killed deer near Pawhuska.

Osage County Game Warden Cody Plunkett says the deer was killed on Saturday night or early Sunday on County Road 2561, about a half-mile north of Nelagoney.

“The buck had been field dressed approximately 70 yards from the road,” Plunkett said. “The deer was then dragged to the road and hauled away. Additional evidence was collected at the scene that will aid in identifying the poachers, once suspects are identified.”

Deer archery season begins in Oklahoma on Oct. 1. The first day to hunt deer with muzzleloaders is Oct. 24, and gun season begins Nov. 21. There are separate dates for youth hunts and antlerless hunts.

Oklahoma has restitution law, and poachers may have to pay anywhere from $100 - $5,000, depending on a determination of the wildlife's estimated replacement cost. A judge also can revoke a poacher’s hunting license if they have one.

If you have any information about this Osage County case, please contact Plunkett at 918-440-9880. You can also contact Operation Game Thief at 1-800-522-8039. Callers can remain anonymous and receive up to a $500 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction.

Anyone who witnesses or suspects poaching anywhere in the state can download the Operation Game Thief form and fill it out for wardens to investigate.