Bighorn Poaching

Nevada game wardens are seeking information on a female desert bighorn sheep (commonly referred to as a ewe) that was illegally shot and killed in the McCullough mountain range, above the Anthem residential community in Henderson on June 6. The Operation Game Thief (OGT) Citizens’ Board is offering a $500 reward on information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible.

The ewe was a lactating female and just over a week later, a lamb was also found dead in the immediate vicinity.  There were no injuries to the lamb and it was likely the offspring of the illegally killed ewe.

“Whoever killed this ewe is likely responsible for the death of two bighorn sheep in this case,” said Cameron Waithman, the investigating game warden. “Killing a female big game animal of any species at this time of year is very likely to kill the offspring as well.”

At this time of year many of the ewes are caring for lambs born in the spring. Lambs are vulnerable and rely on their mothers to survive the early stages of their life, according to Waithman.  As urban sprawl continues to move into wildlife habitat, game wardens are asking the public to be on the lookout for illegal activity and help protect Nevada’s wildlife. 
“We don’t have a lot of game wardens in Nevada,” said Waithman. “We really do rely on the public’s help to keep a watchful eye on their wildlife.”

This was a senseless poaching that in effect killed two animals,” said Don Quilici, a member of the OGT Citizen’s board that is offering the reward. “The killing of this majestic creature must be solved and prosecuted.”

Anyone with information on the poaching can contact Operation Game Thief (OGT) at (800) 992-3030. Callers may be eligible for the $500 reward and calls will remain anonymous.