Exotic deer on private land killed by poachers

PANAMA CITY -- The Bay County Sheriff's Office responded at about 3:30 p.m. Feb. 16 to privately owned property located on Highway 20 and Enfinger Road. The owner of the high-fenced property had stocked the property with Axis deer, an exotic species larger than the Whitetail deer commonly found in Northwest Florida.

Sometime after dark on February 15, 2009, and daylight on February 16, 2009, investigators believe someone cut a hole in the fence, entered the property and shot one of the Axis deer. There is a trail of blood to the cut fence and drag marks to a spot on Enfinger Road where it appears the suspect or suspects then placed the deer into a vehicle.

A John Deer ball cap was left at the scene. It is green with portions of camouflage colored fabric. 

The deer is believed to be a male with large antlers and has a quarter inch by one inch blue rectangular aluminum tag in one ear. Unlike Whitetail deer, the Axis deer remains spotted into adulthood. Anyone that may have seen activity in the area of Highway 20 and Enfinger Road overnight or knows anything about this incident is asked to call Investigator Deese at the Bay County Sheriff's Office at 747-4700, extension 2614. Or Crime Stoppers at 785-TIPS.