Poachers kill big-game wildlife around Reno

RENO (AP) - Nevada game wardens are searching for suspects in a string of poaching cases around Reno over the last month.

The latest cases involve the illegal shootings of a mule deer doe found Nov. 15 near Red Rock north of Reno and a buck deer found Nov. 6 near Mustang east of Reno.

Nevada Department of Wildlife officials said both animals were left to waste, and only the antlers of the buck were taken. Two other buck deer and a male antelope also were shot and left to rot in scattered areas around Reno over the last month.

"We worry when we get so many similar crimes in our backyard," said Rob Buonamici, chief game warden at NDOW. "If these criminals are getting this brave around populated areas, we can only guess at the crimes going on in Nevada's far-flung areas."

Earlier this month, poachers were blamed for the deaths of two elk in northern Elko County near the Idaho line. The cow elk and a calf were shot in the head with a high powered rifle and left to waste.

Investigators believe the animals were shot Nov. 6.

Game wardens are asking for the public's help in solving the crimes. Anyone with information can call Operation Game Thief at 1-800-992-3030.