Texas game wardens just cracked down on one of the biggest black-market wildlife operations the state has seen in years. The agency has exposed an illegal deer-smuggling ring that stretched across multiple counties.
The case broke open in February when game wardens pulled over a vehicle outside Houston. What they discovered were two deer breeders attempting to transport captive whitetails without proper documentation. The investigation revealed that the men had been violating Texas’ strict CWD regulations, moving unidentifiable deer across county lines with plans to release them onto private land.
Both individuals pled guilty and were convicted of more than 50 wildlife violations. Texas Parks and Wildlife officials later confirmed that all seven of the illegally transported deer had to be euthanized.
But that was just the beginning.
Uncovering a Massive Deer Smuggling Operation
A follow-up investigation by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) uncovered a massive black-market deer breeding ring involving 22 suspects across 11 counties. The investigation led to nearly 1,200 charges, including 500 Class C charges, 700 Class B charges, 22 Class A charges, and several state felony charges.
According to TPWD, they are accused of skirting regulations, falsifying records, and ignoring key requirements designed to prevent the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Officials say these violations put wild deer populations at serious risk by increasing the chances of disease transmission from captive herds.
Due to the nature of this case, TPWD says the number of charges could continue to go up.
“These individuals and ranches operated with impunity, repeatedly violating established laws designed to protect Texas’ natural resources and safeguard the state’s wildlife against disease transmission,” said TPW Law Enforcement Director Col. Ronald VanderRoest.
Big Deer Mean Big Money in the Lone Star State; CWD Threatens That
Texas is one of the few states that permits licensed deer breeders to release captive whitetails into the wild, operating under strict regulations designed to protect native herds. The state’s deer breeding industry is a major economic force, valued at more than $1.6 billion.
High-fence ranches and private hunting operations often rely on these breeders to supply trophy-caliber bucks, fueling a market where genetics and, specifically, antler size play a significant role. While legal under state law, the industry remains closely monitored to prevent illegal transfers and the potential spread of disease to wild populations.
Several wildlife conservation organizations have been vocal against the practice due to the increased opportunity to spread CWD to otherwise uninfected populations.
“CWD is not only a problem for deer breeders, it is a problem for all Texans,” Mary Pearl Meuth, president of the Texas Chapter of the Wildlife Society, said. She further emphasized that the disease poses a threat not only to ecosystems but also to rural economies by potentially decreasing deer populations, disrupting food chains, and spreading CWD to other deer species.
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