Granite Shoals deer deaths lead to arrest in possible poaching case
A suspected poacher was arrested in Granite Shoals following a string of questionable deer deaths in the city. Staff photo by Dakota Morrissiey
A suspected poacher was arrested Oct. 9 in Granite Shoals after a string of suspicious deer deaths in the city.
The investigation began after Texas Parks and Wildlife Department game wardens received a report Oct. 3 that a buck had been shot within city limits. In the days that followed, several residents reported more dead bucks and does, many of which were found with crossbow bolts.
In response, officers from the Granite Shoals Police Department and TPWD launched a coordinated investigation, including surveillance operations.
On Thursday morning, GSPD officers spotted a truck suspected of road hunting. When they attempted a traffic stop, the suspect fled the scene but was later found and arrested. The vehicle and hunting equipment were seized as evidence.
Due to the ongoing investigation, authorities have not yet released the person’s identity or the specific criminal charges, but they did make one thing clear:
“Poaching and illegal taking of deer, or any part thereof, will not be tolerated in our community,” said GSPD Chief John Ortis in an Oct. 9 media release. “We will continue to work closely with Texas Parks and Wildlife to protect local wildlife and uphold state and local regulations.”
The city of Granite Shoals does participate in the state-permitted Wildlife Harvesting Program, which began Sept. 27. However, the program operates under strict regulations and is designed to ethically manage the local deer population. Developed in partnership with the TPWD, it allows specially trained and background-checked individuals to harvest white-tailed deer using crossbows during approved dates and times.
Granite Shoals spent three years studying the local deer population and working with TPWD to obtain the necessary permits.
In contrast, poaching is the illegal killing of wildlife without authorization, outside of approved timeframes, or with prohibited methods. Unlike lawful hunting or regulated harvesting, poaching disregards conservation efforts, safety, and state law.
The GSPD is urging residents to report any suspicious hunting or wildlife activity to authorities.