Eleven firearms seized

“CDFW’s tipline is an easy way for citizens to report suspected violations.  CDFW does a great job following up on these reports, and in this case removed 11 firearms from those who, by law, cannot possess them.  That’s public safety at work.”

– CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

FRESNO COUNTY- On March 4, 2025, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) officers concluded a poaching investigation that led to multiple arrests and the seizure of several firearms in eastern Fresno County. Officers had received a tip about a discarded buck deer carcass found long after the close of deer season. The carcass had been left to waste with its head removed.

On February 21, 2025, officers served a search warrant on a nearby residence where they discovered a decomposing deer head outside. This was confirmed through DNA by CDFW’s Wildlife Forensics Lab to be a match to the deer carcass found. Inside the residence, 11 firearms, hundreds of rounds of ammunition and narcotics were seized. All occupants of the residence were prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition, and one individual had an active no-bail warrant from another county for weapons violations.

Two individuals were taken into custody, while a third suspect remains outstanding. Charges include taking deer out of season, wanton waste of deer, prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and possession of methamphetamine paraphernalia.

CDFW urges the public to report poaching and pollution violations through CalTIP, a confidential tip line available at (888) 334-2258, or by texting “CALTIP” followed by the information to TIP411 (847411).