The cases stem from a prior investigation involving the illegal smuggling of “ghost deer” that led to two convictions in Montgomery County.

AUSTIN, Texas — What started as a routine traffic stop by a Texas game warden in Montgomery County has turned into something much bigger, according to the Texas Wildlife Department.

As we reported in early February, two men were arrested after the game warden found seven “ghost deer” they intended to illegally release on private property in Brazoria County and Duval County in South Texas.

That set off an investigation by Texas Game Wardens that led to 22 suspects and 1,200 pending charges involving illegal white-tailed deer breeding operations on the black market statewide.

Game wardens found violations at locations in 11 counties.

  • Three breeding facilities
  • 10 release sites
  • One deer management pen
  • Three unregistered deer facilities 

TPWD says regulations are designed to prevent major disease outbreaks while ensuring the long-term sustainability of native and captive deer in Texas. By ignoring regulations and falsifying records, the suspects in this case intentionally placed the state’s entire deer population at risk, TPWD said.

RELATED: Illegal white-tail deer smuggling operation discovered in Texas

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a fatal neurological disease and can devastate deer populations by silently spreading through direct animal contact and contaminated environments.

“An operation of this size and scope did not develop overnight and the widespread violations may have continued unchecked, posing an even greater threat to Texas’ deer populations and the integrity of the deer breeding industry,” Col. Ronald VanderRoest, TPWD law enforcement director, said.

“Their pivotal role in conservation law enforcement helps ensure the health of all deer populations in the state,” TPWD Executive Director David Yoskowitz said. “These violations don’t just break the law — they undermine the very foundation of responsible wildlife management in Texas.”

TPWD said white-tailed deer hunting also contributes billions annually to the Texas economy and widespread disease could have a devastating impact.

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