After attracting the attention of many, a magnificent Virginia buck unfortunately attracted some of the wrong kind of attention that resulted in his demise. With a 29-point crown atop his head, the buck was a regular around the Richmond area, but was best known for his majestic appearances at the city’s Hollywood Cemetery.
Appearing like a mirage to locals, the buck was a natural favorite of photographers and nature lovers who reveled in the opportunity to view him, if even for only a moment or two at a time.
It was last fall when locals began to notice the sudden disappearance of their favorite whitetail. Despite their efforts to keep his whereabouts secret, many feared that the deer’s reputation had attracted the attention of potential poachers.
It was only a couple of days before Christmas when 36-year-old Jason Walters gave the community and Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) Law Enforcement officials an early Christmas gift.
In true wildlife criminal fashion, Walters simply could not contain himself and keep the record buck a secret any longer. On December 23, 2023, Walters shared photos of himself with a nontypical 29-point buck on the Star City Whitetails Facebook page. He claimed to have harvested the deer in Prince Edward County, using a muzzleloader and was looking for acclaim for his new trophy. What he found was the complete opposite.
Given the unique rack the buck was so well-known for, the deer was instantly recognized by both hunters and wildlife lovers alike. The uproar caught the attention of the DWR, which launched a massive investigation into how and where the deer was actually harvested.
In total, 10 search warrants were executed and resulted in the recovery of two different sets of antlers, one of which was determined to have belonged to the Hollywood Buck. Officials also managed to identify a possible accomplice in the case, who is also facing pending charges.
Major Ryan Shuler, Deputy Chief of DWR Law Enforcement, was quick to praise the work of all those involved in the investigation.
“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.” Shuler said.
“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.”
Walters was placed under arrest on Sunday, January 28th, and has been charged with 19 separate wildlife violations including illegal possession of wildlife, trespassing, failing to check and tag a deer, and littering, according to the state’s Department of Wildlife Resources.
