In a tragic turn of events in Nevada's Ruby Mountains, wildlife officials are currently investigating the illegal shooting of a pregnant mule deer. As reported by 8 News Now, a game warden discovered the animal with fatal bullet wounds near the Lattin Ranch, south of Elko. The doe, which was pregnant with twin fawns, passed away alongside her unborn offspring as a result of these injuries.
Responding to a March 5 report, the warden found the doe already deceased with the wounds indicating a shooting between March 1 and March 3, 2025. Described by the Nevada Department of Wildlife, whose officials are currently seeking information about the incident, "the 6 to 7-year-old doe was pregnant with twin fawns which also died due to the gunshot wound killing the adult doe." Located approximately 350 miles north of Las Vegas, this area is no stranger to wildlife crime, as it follows close on the heels of two elk poaching incidents near the Nevada-Utah border only two months prior.
Nevada Department of Wildlife is calling on the public to assist in this "senseless killing" investigation, with any details related to the tragic fate that befell these three Nevada mule deer. According to the Nevada Department of Wildlife's press release, anyone with information pertinent to the illegal shooting can contact the department directly via a dedicated hotline at 1-800-992-3030 or by using the Tip411 app.
The game warden found the injured mule deer close to death, highlighting the tragic consequences of illegal poaching. To help stop such crimes and catch those responsible, the Nevada Department of Wildlife is offering a $2,000 reward for information on recent elk poaching cases, as per 8 News Now.
