A tip from the public helped police crack a case involving multiple illegal deer killings and other crimes in Moffat County.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife got a tip that someone saw a 17-year-old driving a truck with a dead deer in the back after hunting season had ended. As the investigation proceeded, authorities found that two other men (Levi Baysinger, 23 and John Pinnt, 42) were involved with the 17-year-old in various criminal activities, including poaching.

Authorities found the carcasses of eight mule deer on property that the men had access to. One of the animals had eight .22 caliber bullets lodged in its head that matched Baysinger's gun. They also found that the trophy parts of the bodies had been removed from some of the animals, while the rest were left to waste.

District Wildlife Officer Evan Jones released this statement in response to the case:

Poaching wildlife is one of the most destructive crimes all societies face. No matter how hard these criminals try to evade law enforcement, we will do all we can to bring them to justice.


To provide information about a wildlife violation anonymously, the public can contact Operation Game Thief at 877-265-6648.  Rewards are available if the information leads to an arrest or citation.

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