TAOS COUNTY – On November 13, 2013 Conservation officers responded to a report from the BLM Wild Rivers Recreation Area about a dead mule deer alongside NM State Road 378.
Officers discovered the deer was shot once, with a bullet entrance wound behind the right front shoulder which exited behind the left front shoulder.
Officers believe it was shot that early morning or the day before, the deer carcass was approximately 20 yards off the side of the highway and left to rot. There was no active deer hunts at the time of kill but there was a cow elk hunt ending that day.
Anyone with information about this crime is encouraged to call Operation Game Thief toll-free at 1-800 432-4263 or click here to file a secure report. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward.