The following report comes from the South Dakota Turn In Poachers (TIPs) program, a private, non-profit organization that began in 1984 with the help of concerned sportsmen across South Dakota when two large bull elk in the Black Hills were killed and left to waste in the field.

Information received through the South Dakota Turn In Poachers (TIPs) hotline led wildlife conservation officers from Hamlin and Clark counties to uncover a poaching operation involving multiple big game and small game violations in the fall of 2025. The investigation resulted in five individuals from four states pleading guilty to a combined 44 misdemeanor charges.

On Oct. 26, 2025, a landowner reported three headless white-tailed buck carcasses in rural Hamlin County. Wildlife conservation officers responded the following day and confirmed the deer had been taken illegally with a high-powered rifle during a closed season and discarded without any meat removed.

A subsequent investigation, supported by additional tips from the public, linked a South Carolina individual to multiple unlawful deer kills and the disposal of deer heads. Search warrants executed on Jan. 10, 2026, led to the seizure of firearms, a compound bow and blood evidence connected to the crimes. The primary suspect was booked into the Codington County Detention Center, and officers conducted additional interviews with other parties involved.

The investigation revealed that five deer had been unlawfully taken at night using firearms or a bow, with the suspect shooting each animal from a pickup using headlights to locate them. Three of the deer were decapitated, and their carcasses were left behind. Two of the heads were recovered after being hidden in a tree belt following the publication of a TIPs post. Conservation officers also identified evidence of additional deer being shot at or wounded but not recovered, along with illegal harvest of waterfowl and small game species.

A total of 44 misdemeanor charges were filed against the five individuals involved in the case, consisting of 16 Class 1 misdemeanors and 28 Class 2 misdemeanors.

The South Carolina individual was charged with 29 misdemeanors carrying $2,729 in criminal fines and $10,000 in civil fines. The individual was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition for one year, had hunting privileges revoked for three years and forfeited a rifle, pistol and compound bow.

A Michigan individual was charged with six misdemeanors carrying $600 in criminal fines and had hunting privileges revoked for one year.

A New Hampshire individual was charged with four misdemeanors carrying $930 in criminal fines and had hunting privileges revoked for one year.

A South Dakota individual was charged with four misdemeanors carrying $847.50 in criminal fines and had hunting privileges revoked for three years.

A second South Dakota individual was charged with one misdemeanor, which was resolved through plea agreement.

South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks thanks the public for reporting suspicious activity. Information submitted through the TIPs hotline continues to play a critical role in holding wildlife violators accountable and protecting the state’s natural resources. To report suspicious activity or submit information, citizens can call 888-OVERBAG or go online.

Rewards are paid in cash once an arrest is made, and informants can protect their identity and remain anonymous. Informants are eligible for rewards of up to $500 if an arrest is made. Higher rewards may be paid in extreme cases.

(Photo courtesy of South Dakota Turn In Poachers)