Emergency Dumb Poachers: Deer Wakes Up On Way Home

by
posted on November 28, 2012
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
wilder_ah2015_fs.jpg (5)

I normally only try to do dumb poacher recaps about once a season or so, but this story out of California was both unfortunate and unusual enough to warrant its own post.

According to a report from the Tahoe Daily Tribune, two Sacramento men were pulled over and arrested on Nov. 18 after concerned citizens called police to let them know that a tan SUV was speeding down the highway while blood dripped out of the car's doors.

After a local K-9 spotted and apprehended the car, Sheriff's deputies and CHP officers conducted a full-fledged search and detained the men. Officers eventually got the full story out of the accused poachers, and it's a doozy.

According to the report, the men, Scott Lee and Nai Saechao, allegedly poached a buck in a bit of road hunting, and threw the animal in the back of the SUV after it collapsed. The pair began heading home with their poached prize, when they ran into a little problem: the deer wasn't dead.

The shotgun wound they'd delivered hadn't finished the buck off, and he naturally wasn't very happy to come to in the back of an SUV. Either Lee or Saechao (it isn't specified) climbed into the back to put the animal down. It worked, but the damage was done. Blood from the altercation was splattered throughout the interior of the car, and it didn't take long for it to start leaking out of doors and any other opening it could find.

The poachers tried to hightail it home, but some keen eyed observers noticed the blood and the shifty behavior of both driver and passenger and called it in. Now they'll likely face a multitude of charges.

Next time, boys, make sure the deer's dead before you load it up in the back of the Toyota.

Latest

LEDE Chest Pack Hoodie Pants
LEDE Chest Pack Hoodie Pants

First Look: Blocker Outdoors Finisher Series

Blocker Outdoors' Finisher Series is a one stop shop for turkey hunters looking to streamline their clothing and gear in the field. Read on for some of the top pieces in this lineup, designed to keep hunters cool and comfortable, while maintaining easy access to essentials.

Know How: Shed Hunting Hellholes

Mark Kayser's fascination with shed antler hellholes kicked off and continues today in whitetail country. Not satisfied with the occasional shed antler found in stubble fields, hay grounds and open pastures, he turned his attention to the thickest, steepest and nastiest geography in the whitetail woods. Here’s why you should consider putting on your big boy pants for a deep dive into the extremes for shed antler rewards.

New for 2026: Federal X Henry Birthday Boy Collector's Edition Ammo

For 2026, Federal Ammunition has partnered with Henry Repeating Arms to produce a collector's series ammunition. This limited-edition load was developed for Henry's commemorative .45-70 Government Golden Boy lever-action rifle, touted as the Birthday Boy.

New for 2026: Badlands Mag Turkey Vest

Badlands has released its Mag Turkey Vest, purpose-built for run-and-gun turkey hunters.

#SundayGunday: Spartan Vidarr Disc-Lok Bipod

On this week's #SundayGunday, we’re checking out a new entry from Spartan Precision Equipment that heralds a whole new line of gear from the innovative brand. The Vidarr bipod utilizes a brand new attachment system called Disc-Lok. Why create a whole new system, you ask? Well, if Spartan's MagnaSwitch is the ultralight QD system for hunters looking to travel light, the Disc-Lok adds a few more ounces in pursuit of extreme stability. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

Public Opportunity on Private Land: Walk-in Access Programs

State game managers have come up with an array of walk-in access programs for private lands. These state-led initiatives partner with willing landowners to open thousands—sometimes millions—of acres of land to the public at little or no extra cost. Read on for some of the best options in the country.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.