THREE RIVERS – The carcass of a deer found south of Three Rivers has prompted a landowner to offer a reward for finding who he thinks did the deed: a poacher.

Mark Katzfey, who owns 450 acres on the south side of Three Rivers off of U.S. Highway 281 and just north of the Nueces River, said he is offering a $1,000 reward to find the poacher.

“Somebody Tuesday night (Dec. 11) spotlighted a deer from the caliche road just off School

Road and killed a buck,” Katzfey said.

“And they cut his head off and let lay,” he added.

Katzfey also submitted a photo of the deer’s carcass, but it was too graphic to publish in the Progress.

Katzfey said it’s the first time he’s encountered a poacher.

Texas Parks & Wildlife Live Oak County game warden Christina Plant said she encourages landowners to call Operation Game Thief when poaching is suspected.

“It’s the Crime Stoppers equivalent where a caller can anonymously give information,” Plant said.

Plant also mentioned that a reward is available with tips on poachers.

“We are dependent on the eyes and ears of citizens,” she said.

She added that people reporting suspected poaching also can phone the Live Oak County Sheriff’s Office.

Operation Game Thief can be reached by calling 1-800-792-4263 or by going online to ogttx.com.

Texas Parks & Wildlife Live Oak County game warden Clayton Pipkin said Katzfey’s case is an open investigation and at this point, no more information is available.