* Arrests follow felony charges in Lynn County poaching case

Lubbock and surrounding counties — Lubbock district game wardens have filed multiple charges against two men for their alleged role in the illegal killing of three mule deer bucks in Western Lynn County.

On Saturday, January 6, local wardens received information regarding several mule deer bucks that had been shot at night. The team of wardens quickly followed up on the information and soon the investigation spanned across four separate counties and involved multiple parties. Upon further investigation and evidence collection, it was determined that two men, 22 year old Jacob Hildebrand of Terry County and 21 year old John Redecop of Dawson County had allegedly killed three mule deer bucks at night, and on private property without permission. Additionally, the individuals allegedly hunted the deer with a spotlight and dumped the carcasses in a wasteful manner leading to additional charges of hunting with the aid of an artificial light and waste of game. The arrests were made Sunday April 15, following grand jury indictments of the two men that were filed April 3.

The deer were shot in Lynn County, East of the Terry county line. Terry County’s mule deer season ended on November 26 of last year and Lynn county has no legal season to hunt mule deer.

Lubbock district public information officer Aaron Sims explains that  despite perception that poaching is thought to have been some  thing of the past, incidents like this occur throughout the year. “By far, the majority of hunters today follow the law and work to preserve wildlife for future generations. Unfortunately, there are individuals that roll the dice and take a chance at being caught hunting illegally. Area wardens often patrol late at night to deter these types of illegal activities. Fortunately, landowners, farmers, and good sportsmen assist wardens by keeping their eyes and ears open, and report possible suspicious activity.” Sims wants people to know that any future crimes such as this will be fully investigated and charges will be filed to the fullest extent of the law.

Tips can be anonymously reported via the Operation Game Thief hotline by calling 1-800-792-4263. OGT offers rewards of up to $1,000.00 for information leading to the arrest and conviction for a wildlife crime.

If you’d like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with J. Aaron Sims, then please call/text at 806-773-3946, or e-mail Aaron at Aaron.Sims@ tpwd.texas.gov