Illegal Hunting Incident in Angeles National Forest

While patrolling the Angeles National Forest, officers from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife encountered two vehicles driving off-road with spotlights illuminating the forest. This method, known as spotlighting, is illegal and poses dangers to wildlife, according to the agency.

On stopping the vehicles, officers discovered three individuals with blood on their hands and clothing. An investigation revealed the presence of two recently killed female deer. Both deer were headless, placed in black trash bags, and showed signs of processing; one was skinned, and the other was quartered. Loaded firearms and spotlights were also found.

The suspects admitted to illegally killing the deer and making efforts to hide their actions. They were detained on the spot but released after agreeing in writing to appear in court, as noted in a Facebook post made by the agency. Officers seized the firearms, deer, and related evidence.

The agency detailed the legal violations, including the unlawful taking of female deer, hunting without licenses or tags, and possessing untagged meat and loaded firearms in a vehicle. The case also involved the illegal method of hunting with spotlights.

Details about the exact timing of the arrests remain unclear, and the agency has not provided further comments at this time.

According to the agency’s post, they received numerous reports of illegal deer hunting and spotlighting in the forest, primarily within Los Angeles County, starting in August of the previous year. A public tipoff triggered the officers to begin focused night patrols, leading to the recent arrests.

Alan Barcelona, president of the California Statewide Law Enforcement Association, emphasized the importance of the officers’ work in safeguarding California’s natural resources. He highlighted the risks officers face when investigating illegal activities, especially at night.

He also underscored the value of public tips, as officers cannot be omnipresent.

In a related instance from 2020, a public tip led to the prosecution of a man in Yuba County, who illegally killed seven female deer. DNA testing confirmed the illegal activity, leading to the man’s prosecution.

It’s a requirement in California to hold a valid hunting license and deer tag for deer hunting. This month, nearly two dozen zones have opened for rifle hunting, including areas in the Central Valley and Eastern Sierra.