An illegal deer poaching operation has been uncovered near the Arkansas-Oklahoma state line. Thirteen people, from rural Sevier County in Arkansas and rural McCurtain County in Oklahoma, have been issued citations for various game violations.
A total of 32 citations and 26 warnings were issued for violations that occurred in Arkansas. Oklahoma Department of Wildlife also issued numerous citations. Violations ranged from hunting license violations to possessing over the limit of deer. The combined bond amount for Arkansas and Oklahoma violations was almost $24,000.
The 14-month investigation targeted individuals who illegally harvested 45 deer as well as several other game violations. Officers from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service were involved in the investigation.
AGFC wildlife officer Cpl. Brad Young said the individuals were working together to take deer over the state’s bag limits. “This was a great team effort by several agencies to support our hunters who abide by the state’s regulations, protect Arkansas’s valuable natural resources and allow the public to safely enjoy them,” Young said (click to see more).
“It took an intensive effort from Arkansas and Oklahoma officers, as well as the USFWS, to stop this poaching operation,” said Arkansas Chief of Enforcement Todd Callaway. “Wildlife officers from all over the area worked together to make this case.”
