Wildlife officers in Tulare County served search warrants and arrested four individuals in Visalia and Farmersville as part of a multi-year investigation into illegal deer poaching, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife said.

The operation, conducted March 13, focused on deer zones D7, D8, and D9, covering Fresno, Tulare, and Kern counties. Investigators suspect the suspects unlawfully took about 30 deer over three years, many out of season and using illegal methods such as spotlights, the department said.

Officers found evidence that deer tags were reused, including one tag fraudulently duplicated after being used to harvest four deer. Searches recovered numerous deer skulls, processed venison, and a firearm without a serial number. K-9 units played a key role, alerting to a hidden firearm and a buried deer head.

The investigation was aided by tips from Californians Turn In Poachers and Polluters, a confidential program supporting wildlife protection.

The case has been referred to the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution, authorities said.

Got a Tip?

CDFW reminded the public that wildlife poaching undermines conservation efforts and lawful hunting traditions.

Violations can be reported anonymously at 1-888-334-CALTIP (2258) or via text to 847411.

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