Reward for deer poaching clues at $4,450

The cash reward being offered for information about a series of recent deer poachings in Whitefish continues to go up. The reward is now at $4,450 as game wardens continue to seek tips that lead to the arrest of the person who shot 19 deer in a two year period in the Whitefish area.

A portion of that reward — $2,500 — was offered by a Whitefish area resident who wishes to remain anonymous.

“We’re trying to make the reward irresistible pretty much so someone will provide us with information,” Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Warden Chris Crane said.

Officials say the 19 deer were shot and left to rot, and some of the antlers were taken. Most of the shootings occurred at night on Farm to Market Road, Twin Bridges Road, Voerman Road, Monegan Road and other back roads in the Whitefish area.

Anyone with information should call the Crimestoppers hotline (752-8477) or 1-800-TIPMONT.