Illegal Hunting Arrest in Angeles National Forest

Officers of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife came across an illegal hunting operation while patrolling the Angeles National Forest at night. They witnessed two vehicles driving off-road and using spotlights, a prohibited and hazardous hunting technique.

Once the vehicles were stopped, officers discovered three individuals with blood on their hands and clothing. Further investigation revealed two recently killed does, firearms, and spotlights. One of the deer had been completely skinned, while the other was quartered. Both were headless and placed in black trash bags.

The suspected poachers were arrested on-site. They were released later after pledging in writing to attend court. The suspects confessed to illegally killing the deer and attempting to hide the evidence.

Officers confiscated the firearms, deer, and other materials involved. Violations included the unlawful take of female deer, hunting without licenses or tags, possessing untagged meat, carrying loaded firearms in vehicles, and using illegal methods such as spotlighting.

Details on when the suspects were detained remain unclear. The agency didn’t comment immediately on the matter.

According to the agency’s social media post, multiple illegal deer hunting and spotlighting incidents were reported in August of last year within Los Angeles County. A public tip led officers to conduct targeted night patrols, one of which resulted in these arrests.

Alan Barcelona, president of the California Statewide Law Enforcement Association, emphasized the critical role of CDFW officers in safeguarding California’s natural resources. He noted the risks officers face investigating illegal hunting, especially at night when confronting armed individuals in challenging terrains.

Barcelona also highlighted the significance of public tips, stating, “Tips from the public are crucial since CDFW officers can’t cover every area.”

Similarly in 2020, a tip led to prosecuting a Yuba County resident who illegally killed seven does and discarded their bodies. DNA analysis confirmed the violations after the man denied the number of deer he had hunted.

In California, a valid hunting license and a deer tag are mandatory for deer hunting. Nearly 24 hunting zones have recently opened for rifle hunting, including regions in the Central Valley and the Eastern Sierra.