Arizona Investigates Pronghorn Poaching

By Laurel Morales
July 14, 2014
Pronghorn
azgfd.net
Pronghorn are already at a disadvantage. Their habitat has been frequently fragmented by development across the state.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is investigating the poaching of an antelope buck that was left to waste in a field near Flagstaff. Agency officials said Arizona pronghorn are a particularly fragile species.

Pronghorn are already at a disadvantage. Their habitat has been frequently fragmented by development across the state, making the coyote’s job even easier.

On July 2 gunshots were heard on Woody Mountain Road just west of Flagstaff before the sun came up. The person who reported the incident saw two people standing next to a gold sedan with a rifle.

Arizona Game and Fish spokesman Larry Phoenix said unfortunately this happens fairly often.

“So it really really varies from the person that’s trying to do something where they just don’t have a permit but they need to feed their family versus somebody that’s got nothing better to do but to kill wildlife,” Phoenix said.

The agency is also investigating a late June elk poaching that took place along Rim Road in the Coconino National Forest. If caught, the poachers could be charged up to $2,500 for the elk and $1,500 for the antelope.

Anyone with information about either event can call the game thief hotline 800-352-0700.