The Guardia Civil is investigating a hunter suspected of illegally killing an adult stag in a hunting reserve in Caravaca de la Cruz, Murcia, and allegedly boasting about it in a video posted on a social network. The animal was an 11-point male, and the hunter reportedly lacked authorization from the society that owns the reserve.
The investigation began after the Caravaca hunting society alerted authorities. Seprona specialists identified the location shown in the video and verified that it matched an area within the society’s reserve. The hunter was subsequently located and investigated on suspicion of an offense against flora and fauna. Both hunters involved in the cases have also been reported for several administrative breaches of hunting regulations.
The operation was launched amid warnings from hunting-rights holders about suspected poaching during the deer rut, when adult males attract females with their calls. Guardia Civil officers coordinated with environmental agents from the Region of Murcia to increase surveillance in the northwest of the region, including night patrols.
The operation also led to the arrest of another alleged poacher in Moratalla. According to the investigation, he killed a 14-point adult stag just a few metres from two other hunters before fleeing into the surrounding woodland.
Officers searching the area found a vehicle about one kilometre from the shooting site, with a rifle case lying nearby. The discovery provided evidence that helped identify the suspect. Investigators determined that he did not have authorization from any hunting reserve in the area and later arrested him on suspicion of an offense against flora and fauna.
The Guardia Civil said the operation, named “Puntas”, was carried out by its Region of Murcia command in cooperation with regional environmental agents. The alleged offenses may carry prison sentences of between six months and two years or fines, as well as special disqualification from hunting or fishing for between two and four years.
Sources: elDiario.es.