DWR seeking information after buck deer left to waste

A buck deer was shot and dumped off along I-80 near Wyoming. Photo: DWR

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah — The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) is seeking information after a buck deer was shot and left to waste in northern Utah.

The deer was reported to DWR conservation officers on Nov. 26. The animal was dumped off of the Wahsatch Exit along I-80 near Evanston, Wyoming.

“The deer was found on private property and was partially covered by a sheet of metal. Conservation officers believe the individuals responsible were attempting to conceal the deer,” DWR said in a statement.

“Upon further investigation, officers discovered the deer had been shot with a rifle and only the head had been removed — the rest of the meat had been left to waste.

“Residents in the area reported seeing a large buck deer in the area previously, but officers have not yet confirmed if it is the same animal.”

Anyone with information regarding the killing of the deer, or any other wildlife-related crimes in Utah, is encouraged to report it to DWR conservation officers in one of the following ways:

• By calling the UTiP Hotline at 800-662-3337
• The UTDWR Law Enforcement app
• By texting 847411
• Online through the DWR website

If you have information about this specific case, you can also contact DWR Conservation Officer Brandon Olson at 801-541-3906. Rewards are available, and requests for confidentiality are respected.

Every year, Utah conservation officers conduct numerous investigations into the illegal killing of wildlife. In 2020, officers confirmed over 1,000 illegally killed animals valued at over $387,000.

• Officer Brandon Olson
  brandonolson@utah.gov
  801-541-3906
• Sgt. Mike Kinghorn
  mikekinghorn@utah.gov
  435-730-6335