Trophy buck killed; owner offers substantial reward for information

Trophy buck killed; owner offers substantial reward for information

September 15, 2008 - A captive, domestic, trophy, 12-point buck was killed illegally and stolen from a Lake Butler game farm September 6, and the owner is offering a substantial reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Peabody, this captive white-tailed deer was killed illegally and stolen from a Lake Butler game farm.               (Photo courtesy of John Shadd)

According to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) investigator Lt. David Lee, the suspects trespassed onto Shadd’s Game Farm, which is an FWC-licensed private facility, on State Road 100, west of Lake Butler.

The white-tailed deer, named "Peabody," was killed, and the animal’s head was removed.

"Some of the meat was also taken," Lee said.

Peabody was a stud deer and had an extensive lineage.

"The antlers are unique because of a drop tine behind each ear. The deer was tagged with a pinkish tag in the left ear with the #23 on it," Lee said. "The left ear will have a hole or tear mark where the tag was."

The owner of the trophy buck, John Shadd, has offered a reward of $20,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the culprit(s).

Anyone with information about this crime should call Lee at 386-623-1522 or Maj. Gary Seay, Union County Sheriff’s Office, at 386-867-2935.