RICHMOND, Va. (WDBJ) – A Richmond man has been arrested and charged with 19 wildlife violations for the killings of three deer during the recent hunting season, according to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR).
Jason Walters, 36, was arrested Sunday, January 28. The charges against Walters include illegal possession of wildlife, trespassing, failing to check and tag a deer, earn a buck violation, and littering.
The investigation resulted in the recovery of two sets of antlers, including those from the “Hollywood Buck.” DWR says the buck frequented the Hollywood Cemetery in the Oregon Hill neighborhood of Richmond, and was well-known for its large and distinctive antlers,
Alan Proffitt, 36 of Richmond, who is believed to be an accomplice, is also facing pending charges, according to DWR.
In December 2023, DWR says, Walters shared photos of himself with a “non-typical 29-point buck on the Star City Whitetails Facebook page, claiming to have harvested the deer in Prince Edward County, Virginia, using a muzzleloader.” Members of the hunting and wildlife communities recognized the buck as the Hollywood Cemetery buck and alerted DWR.
Major Ryan Shuler, Deputy Chief of DWR Law Enforcement, said, “Our officers immediately began their investigation upon learning of the potential violation of Virginia’s wildlife laws. The CPOs involved in the investigation devoted countless hours to gathering evidence in this case. We appreciate the support of the Richmond and Chesterfield County Police Departments, as well as Hollywood Cemetery and the James River Park System in bringing the suspect to justice. The illegal killing of this deer was a blow to the community and damaged the reputation of law-abiding hunters across the Commonwealth.”
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Man arrested for killing of Virginia’s Hollywood Buck – WDBJ
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