California poaching suspect arrested with 931 black bass, deer and bear meat

A California poaching suspect was nabbed after authorities uncovered a staggering haul of 931 black bass, deer antlers and suspected deer and bear meat.

A months-long investigation into poaching activity led to the arrest of a Bakersfield resident on Sept. 24, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced.

“In the months leading up to the search, a wildlife officer identified a suspect who was involved in numerous poaching incidents,” the CDFW said. 

“The evidence gathered by the officer established probable cause to believe the suspect illegally harvested several deer without first procuring a hunting license or deer tags, took deer out of season and some of the deer included does and spike bucks that were not legally harvestable.”

Authorities said search warrants were served on two properties in Kern County, one in Bakersfield the other in the town of Stallion Springs in the Tehachapi Mountains.

Agents said they “uncovered significant evidence connecting the suspect to numerous wildlife crimes” at the Bakersfield home.

It was there they found numerous packages of suspected deer meat and packaged bear meat, 931 black bass and six sets of deer antlers, authorities said.

Images posted on social media showed the stomach-turning haul including an ice chest stuffed with black bass and deer heads with antlers sitting on the lawn.

The suspected poacher was booked into Kern County Jail. The suspect faces multiple charges including unlawful possession of deer, unlawful take of deer and taking of fish and wildlife in excess of three times the daily bag limit.

“Samples of the deer and bear meat, along with samples of the antlers were sent to CDFW’s Wildlife Forensics Lab where the DNA will be analyzed to determine the sex and genetic profile of each sample,” the CDFW said.

“With this information, the investigating officer will be able to determine exactly how many deer and bear the suspect was in possession of. “

The arrests came one day before three blood-soaked poachers got caught red-handed Angeles National Forest with illegally killed deer in their vehicles.

Officers arrested the trio on Sept. 25 after receiving tips about illegal deer hunting in Los Angeles County.

“After receiving a tip from a vigilant member of the public, officers conducted targeted night patrols in the area. During one of the patrols, officers observed two vehicles off‑roading and shining a spotlight into the forest; an illegal and highly dangerous method of hunting,” the CDFW announced.

“Officers stopped both vehicles and detained three individuals. During initial contact, officers noticed blood on the suspects’ clothing and hands, prompting a comprehensive investigation,” the agency added.

Officers then found firearms and two female deer. One had been completely skinned, while the other had been cut into four pieces.

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