Late on Sunday, May 4 or early Monday, May 5 at least two doe deer were shot near the swimming pool in Monticello. One deer was found dead on the lawn of a nearby residence; while the other was gut shot and had to be euthanized near the entrance to the pool. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Officers is investigating the poaching.

This poaching is of particular concern because the shots were fired in town. The backstop for bullets fired in a town is a major safety issue. In addition to the other crimes committed in this act, Monticello City has an ordinance against firing any projectile in city limits.

The Division of Wildlife Resources is aware of some people’s concern about the resident deer herd in Monticello. The Division of Wildlife Resources is cooperating with city officials to provide information to city residents on methods of preventing deer damage to ornamental plants and options should the city request the removal of deer.

Any residents with frustrations about the local deer in town should recognize that there is a legal way to handle the problem. Illegal activities, such as these deer recently killed, will be fully prosecuted.

If anyone has information concerning this crime, please report it. Information can be held strictly confidential. A monetary reward is being offered for information that leads to the successful prosecution of anyone responsible for this crime.

To provide information about this crime, please call DWR Officer Paul Washburn at (435) 820-6016, the San Juan County Dispatch at (435) 587-2237 or the Help Stop Poaching Hotline at 1-800-662-DEER (3337).