SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - In league with Fish and Wildlife Department officers, nature activists have launched a campaign against poaching American River Parkway deer. Although all wildlife is protected and weapons are forbidden in the 26-mile sanctuary, the winter deer breeding season is game-on for illegal hunters.

Deer thrive in concentration in preserves; males live longer and become trophy specimens. When breeding urges divert them, bucks with big racks are unwary targets. The rutting season is now in full swing and though it’s hard to prove illegal hunting is increasing, nature-lovers are appalled that it happens at all. Note: The parkway’s large homeless population is not held to blame. Villains carry high-tech weapons and cruise quietly into deer territory by night.

“Poachers are opportunists,” explains California Department Fish and Wildlife Department Lieutenant Alan Gregory. “Our Parkway provides opportunity. It’s accessible from so many points by foot and vehicle. Some hunters kill for the antlers–that’s an ego thing–some want meat. Either way, poaching is unacceptable.”

The Game Warden assists an action group spearheaded by Sacramento nature lover Tim McGinn. A retired builder, McGinn has organized volunteers to post signs, distribute fliers and alert trail users to watch for illegal activity. Hearing gunshots; seeing wounded animals–all should be reported, says McGinn. Daylight stalkers–especially off-trail–might not be nature fans. Some return after dark with night-vision goggles, guns or silent cross bows. “Don’t confront suspicious people,” McGinn warns. “Get license plates, get descriptions. Report what you see.”

Lieutenant Alan Gregory watches for slow-moving vehicles on park roads at night. Poachers sometimes shine flashlights into brush from cars. A stunned deer enables an easy kill.

Carcasses are usually hauled off to remove evidence. “I’ve come across sites with blood and signs of dragging,” says Tim McGinn. “I’ve also found crossbow bolts (arrows) on the ground.”

Fair Oaks-based rescuer Ben Nuckolls runs a volunteer operation saving injured wildlife. Recent rescues include a buck, a doe and a turkey"'all found wounded by pistol crossbow darts. Rancho Cordova walker Diane Hill discovered the first casualty. “He was one of a deer family I know from my walks,” she says. “I’ve watched him grow up. I called my husband in tears. To me, people who hurt animals have a special place in hell.”

Notes Ben Nuckolls: “Pistol crossbows are small and easily concealed. A poacher was obviously at work.” He applauds efforts of Tim McGinn’s volunteers. “Public awareness is important,” he says. “Park rangers can’t be everywhere. Citizens can help protect wildlife.”

For people like McGinn, the loss of herd leaders is an ongoing tragedy. “Poachers are killing off a fantastic gene pool,” he predicts. “I notice bucks are getting smaller. That’s another reason I’m desperate to stop the hunting. I looked for a favorite male several years ago. He was a monster, with multiple antler points. I smelled his musky scent in a brushy area"'so strong I knew something was wrong. Bucks emit their scent in distress. I found pools of blood, deer hair and boot tracks all around. My heart sunk; I knew I’d never see him again. I’ll never forget my lonely feeling.

“That guy was aware of his power but, he was noble and gentle. He had no interest in hurting anyone. I get to know the big males and they know me. I realize when they’re gone. I notice fewer mature bucks this season. Yes, old guys can get edged out of herds; they also die naturally. But how come it’s always those with trophy class racks that disappear? When they come together in the rut, they’re sitting ducks.”

McGinn hopes his awareness campaign will result in arrests. “A poacher has a criminal mind,” he says. “On our Parkway, animals have no idea what hunting is. And they’re up against criminals who’ll go to any extent to kill them. It’s not a fair contest.”

The public is warned against confronting poachers. To report suspicious activity, call (888) 334-2258.