Operation Game Thief Offering $2,500 Reward for Info About Illegally Killed Deer

The Maine Warden Service says four deer have been killed illegally in recent weeks and left to waste in open fields. Now, a $2,500 reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrests of those responsible.

The first case was reported to have happened on April 22nd, when a deer was located in a Chesterville field that's posted with no trespassing signs. The doe was pregnant with twin fawns and had suffered a fatal gunshot to the spine, then left to waste in a field near the intersection of Bragdon and East Roads.

Since that time, three additional does have been shot and then left to die. One was on Route 106 in Leeds, another on Route 133 near Dodge Road in Livermore Falls, and a third doe was shot on River Road in Livermore. Warden Corporal John MacDonald says all the deer seem to have been killed under similar circumstances and left to waste.

Now, anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the areas of Leeds, Livernore, Livermore Falls, Chesterville, Jay or surrounding areas is urged to call Operation Game Thief at 1-800-ALERT-US (1-800-253-7887). They can also call the Maine Warden Service at 624-7076 or 657-3030.