Man arrested for illegally killing deer in Sutter Bypass Wildlife Area

A man was arrested on Halloween night for illegally killing a deer on private property in the Sutter Bypass Wildlife Area, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). Wildlife officers found the man trespassing after hours in the area, which spans parts of Yuba, Sutter, and Butte counties, during enforcement operations.

When contacted by officers, the man had blood on his hands and clothes. A loaded .22-caliber rifle was found concealed in his vehicle, along with a bloodstained sweatshirt. Officers also discovered a freshly killed deer quartered and hidden inside a black garbage bag.

The suspect was booked into the Sutter County Jail on nine misdemeanor charges related to the illegal killing and trespassing. The following day, wildlife officers returned to the scene and found the carcass of the doe, confirming the illegal kill occurred on private property.

CDFW officials emphasized that wildlife enforcement continues year-round to protect natural resources and hold violators accountable. The additional charges from the investigation will be submitted to the Sutter County District Attorney’s Office.