Texas cracks massive deer smuggling ring

In one of the largest deer smuggling cases in Texas history, a routine bust in March 2024 has uncovered a sprawling network of illegal wildlife trafficking and regulatory violations that put deer populations at risk.

A recent investigation known as “Ghost Deer” by Texas Game Wardens has resulted in approximately 1,200 pending charges against 22 suspects across the state, all connected to the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) breeding industry and black-market wildlife trade. The term “ghost deer” refers to animals that are moved without proper identification or compliance with state protocols, making them virtually untraceable. The scale of this investigation underscores the serious risks these unregulated movements pose to disease monitoring efforts and the health of native wildlife populations.

“These violations don’t just break the law—they undermine the very foundation of responsible wildlife management in Texas,” said Texas Parks and Wildlife Department executive director David Yoskowitz.

Illegal movement of captive deer can spread chronic wasting disease, a fatal illness that threatens deer through contact and contaminated environments. The suspects face charges for illegally moving, selling and falsifying disease tests for deer, as well as trapping, transporting and releasing wild deer without permits. Texas Parks and Wildlife has regulations in place to prevent outbreaks and protect both native and captive deer. Due to unknown disease status and no legal destination, the untraceable “ghost deer” were euthanized.

Read more at Texas Parks and Wildlife.