The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is seeking information on the person or persons who illegally shot a bighorn sheep ram and left it to waste west of Nutrioso in Game Management Unit 1 sometime between late evening April 28 and early morning April 29.

The ram was found in a rock quarry, one mile west of U.S. Highway 191. AZGFD officers believe that others in the area may have information about the violation.

“Anyone who has information regarding this incident should report it,” said Officer Tylor McGaughey, AZGFD Wildlife Manager. “This is not the act of a hunter. Poaching is a crime and is stealing wildlife from the citizens of Arizona. It is important for anyone with information to come forward and help Game and Fish bring those responsible to justice.”

AZGFD’s Operation Game Thief program encourages anyone with information about these cases or the illegal take of wildlife in Arizona to call its 24/7 hotline at (800) 352-0700 or visit www.azgfd.gov/ogt. Callers may be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest in this case. Money for rewards comes from donations, court fines, and civil restitution by violators who commit wildlife crimes. Anyone with information about the bighorn sheep poaching should refer to case #23-000890. Callers can remain anonymous upon request.

The Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society is also offering an additional $2,500 reward for information that helps lead to a conviction.