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A mule deer was killed near Wellton. Game and Fish is asking for tips.
An Oct. 21 appeal describes two separate rewards of up to $500, with different conditions. Tips can be reported anonymously using case OGT #26-002960.
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A detail someone barely noticed near a Wellton farm field could matter to wildlife officers.
In its Oct. 21 appeal, the Arizona Game and Fish Department said an adult mule deer buck was illegally killed in Game Management Unit 41. Its carcass was found near East County 7½ Street, close to an agricultural field. Officers believe it was shot around the week of Sept. 17.
Wildlife manager Matthew Waunch said hunters, off-highway vehicle users or field workers nearby might have seen or heard something useful.
Two rewards, two conditions
The release describes up to $500 from AZGFD for information leading to an arrest, plus up to $500 for information leading to a conviction from the group it identifies as the Arizona Mule Deer Foundation. An arrest alone does not meet both conditions.
Call Operation Game Thief at 1-800-352-0700 or use the online reporting channel. Reference OGT #26-002960. The agency says callers may remain anonymous.
These are the terms in the Oct. 21 release, which remained available when checked Oct. 27. A later case-status update was not independently confirmed.
Sources 1
- Primary source · Public statementAZGFD: Oct. 21, 2026 Wellton mule-deer poaching appeal
Original agency appeal, read in full on Oct. 27. Gives the location, approximate shooting window, case number, separate arrest and conviction reward conditions, and anonymous tip channels. Describes the Oct. 21 appeal, not a separately confirmed Oct. 27 case status.