Texas is Taking Down These Crazy Illegal Deer Smuggling Rings

Texas Game Wardens Bust Illegal White-Tailed Deer Smuggling Operation

Investigation Uncovers Illegal Deer Transport in Texas

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has just completed an investigation that led to the arrest and conviction of two men involved in an illegal white-tailed deer smuggling operation. With the recent report of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) it being discovered just next door in Brown County a month ago. It's alarming to hear that game wardens wrapping up a major case that highlights the ongoing concerns over Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and the importance of wildlife regulations in Texas.

The Traffic Stop That Led to the Arrests

A Montgomery County Game Warden initiated a routine traffic stop, which revealed several illegally transported whitetail deer. The animals were being moved without the required documentation from a licensed breeding facility in East Texas to Brazoria and Duval counties. Authorities discovered multiple violations of TPWD state statutes, criminal laws, and traffic regulations.

Charges and Convictions

The main suspect, was a South Texas deer breeder, he faced 41 charges, including:

• One traffic code violation
• 11 penal code violations
• 29 deer breeder violations under the Texas Administrative Code and Parks and Wildlife Code

After pleading guilty, he was convicted of three more penal code violations and all 29 breeder violations. His business partner faced similar charges and was convicted of two penal code violations and 28 deer breeder violations.

The Consequences

Both men were found guilty of 57 deer breeder violations, along with one alcohol and two dangerous drug violations. They were ordered to pay $12,060 in fines. Their actions violated Texas’ strict regulations designed to prevent the spread of CWD and to ensure the health of deer populations.

Chronic Wasting Disease and Ghost Deer

CWD is a fatal neurological disease that affects deer populations and is a primary concern for TPWD. The illegal transport of deer circumvents disease monitoring protocols, increasing the risk of spreading the disease. The case also involved the unlawful possession of so-called "ghost deer," these deer have had their identification altered, removed, or hidden to evade tracking requirements.

The Impact on Texas Wildlife and Economy

Our Texas’ outdoor economy relies heavily on hunting, with white-tailed deer hunting contributing $9.6 billion annually. Violations like these threaten not only wildlife but also landowners, hunters, and the state’s economy. My advice is if you know something say something contact your game warden.