An Arizona bighorn poaching incident has taken place in Arizona Near Highway 191, near a rock quarry. Read below for more info.
The Arizona bighorn sheep, a majestic animal that roams the mountains of Arizona, is a beloved icon of the state’s wildlife. However, recent reports of illegal poaching have put this species at risk. In a recent incident, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) reported the illegal shooting and waste of a bighorn sheep ram in Game Management Unit 1, west of Nutrioso.
The ram was found in a rock quarry, a mile west of U.S. Highway 191, and AZGFD officers suspect that others in the area may have information about the violation. The poaching of bighorn sheep is not only illegal but also detrimental to the conservation efforts of this species.
Bighorn Poaching Issues
“Poaching is a crime and is stealing wildlife from the citizens of Arizona,” said Officer Tylor McGaughey, AZGFD Wildlife Manager. “It is important for anyone with information to come forward and help Game and Fish bring those responsible to justice.”
The AZGFD’s Operation Game Thief program offers a reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest in this case. The Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society is also offering an additional $2,500 reward for information that helps lead to a conviction. Money for rewards comes from donations, court fines, and civil restitution by violators who commit wildlife crimes.
The Arizona bighorn sheep is a species that has faced many challenges in the past, including habitat loss and disease. However, through conservation efforts, their populations have been on the rise in recent years. Illegal poaching is a setback to these conservation efforts and threatens the survival of this species.
The AZGFD urges anyone with information about the illegal poaching of the Arizona bighorn to report it immediately. By working together, we can protect and conserve this iconic species for future generations to enjoy.
You can read more about this bighorn poaching by clicking here. Likewise, you can read more Arizona hunting news by clicking here.
