TX: 22 people arrested in massive ‘ghost deer’ investigation in Texas

https://www.chron.com/life/wildlife/article/deer-smuggling-texas-20192150.php

02/27/2025

The recent arrest and conviction of two individuals in Montgomery County who tried to smuggle captive deer helped officials uncover a much larger black-market wildlife trade. Earlier this month, Texas Game Wardens found the two men attempting to illegally smuggle “ghost deer” from an East Texas facility to parts of South and Southeast Texas. A subsequent investigation by Texas Game Wardens has since led to 22 suspects and 1,200 pending charges involving white-tailed deer operations occurring statewide.

Wardens discovered three deer breeding facilities, 10 release sites, one deer management pen, and three illegal facilities not registered with the state. Officials allege the facilities were operating outside of registration requirements and disease monitoring protocols.

“The hard work and commitment of our Texas Game Wardens to uncover these violations cannot be overstated,” said TPWD Executive Director David Yoskowitz. “Their pivotal role in conservation law enforcement helps ensure the health of all deer populations in the state. These violations don’t just break the law—they undermine the very foundation of responsible wildlife management in Texas.”

While the final number of charges may vary due to the ongoing nature of the case, officials said the investigation uncovered approximately 500 Class C charges, 700 Class B charges, 22 Class A charges, and multiple state jail felony charges from the large network of alleged offenders. The cases have been referred to prosecutors’ offices in 11 Texas counties.

The state has been trying to keep the spread of chronic wasting disease in white-tailed deer under control. If left unchecked, the fatal neurological disease, which spreads through direct animal contact, can have devastating impacts on wild and captive deer populations.

“An operation of this size and scope did not develop overnight and the widespread violations may have continued unchecked, posing an even greater threat to Texas’ deer populations and the integrity of the deer breeding industry, if not for [game wardens’] hard work,” said Col. Ronald VanderRoest, TPWD law enforcement director.