Colorado Springs deer poaching case prompts CPW to ask public for help

Two recent poaching cases have been reported in an unincorporated neighborhood northeast of Colorado Springs. Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials are asking the public to help solve the case in which two deer were shot with arrows.

One deer was found dead in a neighborhood not far from Keller Elementary school. Another younger buck was walking while injured. It has an arrow still stuck in its front left leg. This deer has not been captured by authorities but was reportedly seen south of the Sunset Mesa Open Space, close to where the dead deer was found.

“This is illegal poaching,” said Philip Gurule, a CPW district wildlife manager for the Pikes Peak region. “It’s something we take very seriously. But we need the public’s help catching whoever is doing this.”

Gurule said anyone illegally injuring or killing wildlife could face misdemeanor charges including harassment of wildlife, hunting big game without a license, illegal taking of wildlife and reckless endangerment, among other charges. Fines range anywhere from $750 to $3,000. Up to 6 months of jail time is also possible.

Anyone with information of the incidents is encouraged to contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife at its Southeast Regional office at 719-227-5200.