(Photo provided by Nevada Dept. of Wildlife)
(Christian Cazares/FOX5)HENDERSON, NV (FOX5) -
The Nevada Department of Wildlife said a $500 reward is being offered for information on a suspect responsible for illegally killing bighorn sheep in the McCullough mountain area near Henderson.
Wildlife Game Wardens said a female desert bighorn sheep, or ewe, was shot in the McCullough mountain range near the Anthem community on June 6.
The ewe was found in an area where a lamb was also found killed, officials said.
"Whoever killed this ewe is likely responsible for the death of two bighorn sheep in this case," said Cameron Waithman, the investigating game warden. "Killing a female big game animal of any species at this time of year is very likely to kill the offspring as well."
A residential board aimed at protecting wildlife in the area, called Operation Game Thief Citizens' Board, is offering the reward.
"This was a senseless poaching that in effect killed two animals," said Don Quilici, a member of the OGT Citizen's board that is offering the reward. "The killing of this majestic creature must be solved and prosecuted."
"It's very important for us to investigate and prosecute these crimes and have these people answer for what they've done. Not only is it legally wrong but it's an unethically incorrect thing to do," said Douglas Nielsen from the Nevada Department of Wildlife.
Authorities urge anyone with information on the illegal killings to call 1-800-992-3030.
You may also donate to the reward fund at the following address:
Nevada Operation Game Thief Citizens Board
NDOW
Attn: Don Quilici
1100 Valley Rd.
Reno, NV 89512
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