Sept. 14, 2012 — Four deer illegally killed in Susanville last month are causing upset across the state. Bowmen and hunters apparently do not take kindly to people who break from hunting regulations, and they want the criminals found and punished accordingly.

The California Bowmen Hunters State Archery Association (CBHSAA), along with the CBHSAA Big Game Club, Nor Cal Bowhunters, Orange Belt Field Archers, Oranco Bowmen and Scot Moga, are now offering a $1,600 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the offenders in the recent deer poaching case.

This new reward money is in addition to the original $2,250 reward offered — $1,000 from CalTIP, $1,000 from The California Deer Association and $250 from the Susanville Chapter of the Mule Deer Foundation—making the total reward  $3,850.

According to the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) website, “Poaching is an insult to the vast majority of hunters and anglers who obey the rules. Because poaching is a crime of secrecy and stealth, its full impact in California is impossible to fully gauge. However, enough poaching is documented to realize that it exacts a very heavy toll.”

To hunt on private property you must obtain, and have in your possession, written permission to hunt on private property. Hunter trespass laws are strictly enforced.

Wardens from the DFG continue to seek information regarding the four large bucks poached in Lassen County. Three of the bucks were poached within Susanville city limits and the other was poached near the city and within 50 yards of a residence.

“We’ve gotten a good amount of calls,” said Lassen County Game Warden Nick Buckler. “Some have been informational, which is perfect, and some were unrelated.”

Citizens with information that may help identify the poachers are asked to call the Californians Turn in Poachers and Polluters (CalTIP) line at (888) 334-2258. Buckler said citizens with information also may call him at 440-6381. Callers may remain anonymous.

Information leading to the arrest and conviction of the poacher or poachers is eligible for the $3,850 combined reward.

According to Buckler, the most useful information includes license plate numbers, vehicle and suspect descriptions (approximate style, size, color, age and unique characteristics), time, location and last known direction of travel