$3K Reward for Info About Who Illegally Shot a Deer in Rome, Maine

The Maine Warden Service is looking for the person(s) responsible for illegally killing a deer in Rome and leaving it behind.

Maine Wardens Seek Info About the Illegal Shooting of a Deer Left in a Field in Rome

A tip made through the Maine Operation Game Thief hotline sent Wardens to a field off Route 225 in Rome last week, where they found a female deer, which appeared to have been shot with a small-caliber rifle.

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After talking with numerous residents, officials believe the deer was shot between 2:00 am and 3:00 am on Monday, August 24th.

Maine Wardens Say the Illegal Shooting of Deer in Rome and Mercer May Be Linked

Officials believe this incident may be connected to a similar case in the neighboring town of Mercer.

In that instance, a deer was shot and left in an apple orchard on the West Sandy River Road, sometime between 11:00 pm and 11:30 pm on Sunday, July 26th.

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Now, the Maine Warden Service is asking for information about the person or persons responsible.

In 2026, the earliest anyone can legally kill a deer is September 12th, and that's only if they're using an arrow, and only in designated areas.

Laws apply, including only hunting from sunrise to sunset.

Mainers Can Report Info About Illegally Killed Deer Through Operation Game Thief

Operation Game Thief is offering up to $3,000 for information regarding the killing of this deer in Rome and the deer in Mercer.

Anyone with information about either instance is encouraged to submit a confidential report online at the Maine Operation Game Thief website, or call 1-800-ALERT-US. (1-800-253-7887)

Tips can also be left with the Augusta Regional Communications Center at 207-624-7076.

We'll update this story as more details become available.