Cape Girardeau police investigate illegal deer harvest near Kiwanis Park

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — The Cape Girardeau Police Department is investigating the illegal harvest of a buck reportedly taken within city limits outside the authorized managed hunt and permitted private-property hunting.

Investigators believe the deer was shot between Nov. 8 and Nov. 11 near Kiwanis Park.

Police said the individual responsible showed “a clear disregard” for wildlife and lawful hunting practices. Hunting outside designated seasons or approved methods violates RSMo § 252.040, which prohibits the taking of wildlife except as allowed by law.

Improperly disposing of a deer carcass or remains may also violate RSMo § 577.076, which forbids leaving animal remains on public property or private property not owned by the hunter.

Officers are working with the Missouri Department of Conservation to identify the person involved and enforce wildlife protection laws.

Anyone with information about the incident or other illegal hunting activity is urged to contact Patrolman Metzger at 573-335-6621, ext. 1196, or email tmetzger@cityofcape.org.

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling 573-339-6313, texting “CAPEPD” to 847411, or contacting the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Operation Game Thief hotline at 800-392-1111.

The department thanked the public for helping protect local wildlife and uphold responsible hunting practices.