Poaching investigation that led to multiple arrests

[WB Staff]

CDFW wildlife officers concluded a poaching investigation that led to multiple arrests and the seizure of several firearms in eastern Fresno County. Officers had received a tip about a discarded buck deer carcass found long after the close of deer season. The carcass had been left to waste with its head removed.
On the morning of Feb. 21, 2025, officers served a search warrant on a nearby residence where they discovered a decomposing deer head outside. This was confirmed through DNA by CDFW’s Wildlife Forensics Lab to be a match to the deer carcass found. Inside the residence, 11 firearms, hundreds of rounds of ammunition and narcotics were seized. All occupants of the residence were prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition, and one individual had an active no-bail warrant from another county for weapons violations.
Two individuals were taken into custody, while a third suspect remains outstanding. Charges include taking deer out of season, wanton waste of deer, prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and possession of methamphetamine paraphernalia.
CDFW urges the public to report poaching and pollution violations through CalTIP, a confidential tip line available at (888) 334-2258, or by texting “CALTIP” followed by the information to TIP411 (847411).