CALIFORNIA – The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announced on November 14 that an individual has been sentenced to a three-year hunting ban for the unlawful taking of a mammal.
In September 2023, CDFW wildlife officers inspecting a Madera County taxidermy shop spotted a distinctive antlered deer mount that immediately caught their attention.
They recognized the antlers from a buck previously photographed alive in Yosemite Lakes Park — a no-hunting residential area. Attached to the mount was an A19 Archery/X10 tag stating the deer was taken in Inyo County near Mount Whitney — over 100 air miles away.
Officers compared dates and photos and confirmed the deer was alive in Yosemite Lakes Park just days before the claimed harvest.
Search warrant revealed deer was in hunter’s backyard
A search warrant at the hunter’s home revealed photos of the deer behind his house on the same day he claimed to have taken it in the X10 deer hunting zone.
Following the investigation, the Madera County District Attorney’s Office filed multiple charges against him.
In September 2025, the individual pleaded guilty to violating California Fish and Game Code section 1054(a) for falsifying documents submitted to CDFW and section 2000(a) for the unlawful taking of a mammal.
He was sentenced to a three-year hunting ban, one year of probation, forfeiture of the deer, mandatory re-completion of hunter education, court fees, and 80 hours of community service.
Report poaching
CDFW says poaching undermines wildlife conservation and fair chase hunting. Enforcing regulations helps protect California’s wildlife.
To report poaching or wildlife crimes, contact CalTIP at 1-888-334-2258 or use the TIP411 app.
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