Well played genius poachers:
Getting access to good, quality private hunting land is no easy feat. It often requires a whole lot of door knocking and rejection, which has apparently prompted some would-be scammers to take a slightly different approach. According to Kerrville police, residents in this quiet Texas Hill Country town are on high alert after a small group of imposters posing as Texas A&M University researchers started knocking on doors. Claiming to study chronic wasting disease in local deer populations, the apparent researchers then boldly ask for permission to shoot the animals on the landowners property.
The Kerrville Police Department issued an official public warning on Thursday, urging homeowners to be vigilant. “These individuals are not with Texas A&M University and have no authority to be in the area,” the department stated.
The con is simple but convincing — especially for locals familiar with the real threat of CWD, a fatal neurological disease that has been detected in isolated deer breeding facilities near Kerrville. According to reports, the scammers - typically a lone male - approach homes in neighborhoods where deer are commonly seen. Dressed casually, they introduce themselves as Texas A&M field researchers conducting a CWD surveillance study. They ask to enter backyards or wooded areas to “sample” deer, often specifying they’ll use a bow and arrow to, you know, avoid making a lot of noise.
“They say they’re testing for chronic wasting disease,” one resident told police. “If you hunt or know anything about deer, your ears perk up.”
Reports have surfaced that some of the suspects have gone even further, including one suspect who was caught spreading corn on a piece of private land without permission.
Both Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department have confirmed that no such research program exists in the Kerrville area that would involve door-to-door requests.
“Legitimate CWD testing is coordinated through licensed hunters, veterinarians, and official channels — never unsolicited visits,” a TPWD spokesperson said. “We do not send researchers to private homes asking to shoot deer.”
As of right now, no deer have been confirmed killed as a result of this scam. All reported encounters ended when residents either refused entry or realized the deception after the fact.
But police fear it’s only a matter of time.
“Once they’re on your property with a weapon, the risk goes beyond poaching,” said KPD Sgt. Jonathan Lamb. “They could be casing homes, stealing equipment, or worse.”
According to police, one suspect is believed to be driving a silver 2014-2018 model Ford F-150, or Chevy truck. The individual(s) may employ tactics such as displaying fake badges, business cards, or temporary vehicle signage to appear legitimate. Officials are urging residents to immediately note license plate numbers and report any contact with this individual.
With archery season in full swing and general deer season officially underway, the timing of the scam is no coincidence. Kerrville’s proximity to ranches, rural properties, and high deer populations makes it an ideal target.
“This isn’t just about hunting without a lease,” said one local hunter. “It’s trespassing with a story — and it preys on people who care about wildlife.”
While no arrests have been made, KPD says the investigation is active. Game wardens are also monitoring the area for illegal baiting and poaching.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Kerrville Police.
Getting access to good, quality private hunting land is no easy feat. It often requires a whole lot of door knocking and rejection, which has apparently prompted some would-be scammers to take a slightly different approach. According to Kerrville police, residents in this quiet Texas Hill Country town are on high alert after a small group of imposters posing as Texas A&M University researchers started knocking on doors. Claiming to study chronic wasting disease in local deer populations, the apparent researchers then boldly ask for permission to shoot the animals on the landowners property.
The Kerrville Police Department issued an official public warning on Thursday, urging homeowners to be vigilant. “These individuals are not with Texas A&M University and have no authority to be in the area,” the department stated.
The con is simple but convincing — especially for locals familiar with the real threat of CWD, a fatal neurological disease that has been detected in isolated deer breeding facilities near Kerrville. According to reports, the scammers - typically a lone male - approach homes in neighborhoods where deer are commonly seen. Dressed casually, they introduce themselves as Texas A&M field researchers conducting a CWD surveillance study. They ask to enter backyards or wooded areas to “sample” deer, often specifying they’ll use a bow and arrow to, you know, avoid making a lot of noise.
“They say they’re testing for chronic wasting disease,” one resident told police. “If you hunt or know anything about deer, your ears perk up.”
Reports have surfaced that some of the suspects have gone even further, including one suspect who was caught spreading corn on a piece of private land without permission.
Both Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department have confirmed that no such research program exists in the Kerrville area that would involve door-to-door requests.
“Legitimate CWD testing is coordinated through licensed hunters, veterinarians, and official channels — never unsolicited visits,” a TPWD spokesperson said. “We do not send researchers to private homes asking to shoot deer.”
As of right now, no deer have been confirmed killed as a result of this scam. All reported encounters ended when residents either refused entry or realized the deception after the fact.
But police fear it’s only a matter of time.
“Once they’re on your property with a weapon, the risk goes beyond poaching,” said KPD Sgt. Jonathan Lamb. “They could be casing homes, stealing equipment, or worse.”
According to police, one suspect is believed to be driving a silver 2014-2018 model Ford F-150, or Chevy truck. The individual(s) may employ tactics such as displaying fake badges, business cards, or temporary vehicle signage to appear legitimate. Officials are urging residents to immediately note license plate numbers and report any contact with this individual.
With archery season in full swing and general deer season officially underway, the timing of the scam is no coincidence. Kerrville’s proximity to ranches, rural properties, and high deer populations makes it an ideal target.
“This isn’t just about hunting without a lease,” said one local hunter. “It’s trespassing with a story — and it preys on people who care about wildlife.”
While no arrests have been made, KPD says the investigation is active. Game wardens are also monitoring the area for illegal baiting and poaching.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Kerrville Police.
