Belizean forest authorities have apprehended five individuals in the Los Tambos region of Cayo District for engaging in prohibited deer hunting activities during the legally mandated closed season. The Saturday morning operation uncovered a distressing scene: three slaughtered white-tailed deer, among them a skinned pregnant doe carrying twin fawns that had been extracted from her womb. Additionally, officers discovered a live fawn in the possession of the detained group.
Victoria Chi, a representative from the Belize Forest Department, emphasized the ecological rationale behind seasonal hunting restrictions: “This tragic incident precisely demonstrates why we implement closed seasons—these animals are either pregnant or nurturing their young. Hunting during these vulnerable periods is strictly prohibited under national legislation.”
Current regulations established by the Wildlife Protection Act provide comprehensive safeguards for deer populations. Female deer receive protection from July 1st through February 28th of the subsequent year, while male deer may only be legally hunted between October 1st and June 30th. Violations of these conservation laws carry severe penalties, including fines reaching $10,000 Belize dollars or potential imprisonment for up to one year.
The Forest Department has encouraged public participation in conservation efforts by providing a dedicated hotline (610-1524) for reporting illegal hunting activities. This case has sparked renewed discussion about wildlife protection measures and the importance of seasonal hunting restrictions in maintaining sustainable animal populations.