A Texas man is facing more than 70 criminal charges after authorities accused him of illegally killing white-tailed deer across several counties over multiple months. Investigators say the case involves shocking acts of poaching, including allegations that the suspect used a crossbow from inside a vehicle before leaving animal carcasses behind in residential areas.
The investigation has drawn major attention because of the number of alleged offences and the disturbing way officials say the deer were killed and abandoned.
Texas Man Accused in Large Deer Poaching Case
Darrell Maguire, 55, has been accused of illegally killing at least 13 white-tailed bucks in Texas.
According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the alleged incidents happened between fall 2024 and late summer 2025 in:
- Comal County
- Hays County
- Bexar County
Authorities said Maguire now faces more than 70 charges connected to wildlife violations and drug-related offences.
Investigators Say Deer Were Shot From Vehicle
Officials claim Maguire frequently used a crossbow to shoot deer directly from his vehicle.
Investigators also alleged that after killing the animals, he removed only the heads and abandoned the remaining carcasses.
Some of the alleged poaching incidents reportedly happened in residential neighbourhoods.
Game wardens said they recovered crossbow bolts from:
- Front yards
- Residential porches
- Nearby neighbourhood areas
Investigation Began After Deer Carcasses Found
The investigation reportedly started in June 2025 after multiple deer carcasses were discovered in Comal and Hays counties.
According to officials, the growing number of discoveries raised concerns among both residents and wildlife authorities.
As investigators expanded the case, they allegedly connected several incidents to Maguire.
Suspect Arrested During Investigation
Authorities arrested Maguire in September 2025 on drug and wildlife possession charges.
During a search of his home, investigators reportedly found evidence they believe linked him to several poaching scenes.
Officials also alleged that Maguire exceeded Texas’ legal deer hunting limits during the 2024 hunting season.
According to investigators:
| Allegation | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal annual bag limit | 3 white-tailed bucks |
| Alleged excess kills | 5 additional bucks |
| Total suspected illegal kills | At least 13 deer |
Charges Include Wildlife and Drug Offences
Texas Parks and Wildlife officials said the charges against Maguire include:
- Hunting without landowner permission
- Hunting deer at night
- Hunting from a vehicle on a public roadway
- Failing to keep harvested deer in edible condition
- Wildlife code violations
- Methamphetamine possession
- Marijuana possession
Authorities stated the investigation is still ongoing.
Case Raises Concerns About Illegal Hunting
The case has sparked discussions about illegal hunting practices and wildlife protection laws in Texas.
Officials stressed that poaching not only harms animal populations but can also create dangerous situations in residential communities.
Residents in affected areas reportedly became concerned after animal remains and crossbow equipment were found near homes.
The large-scale investigation into Darrell Maguire’s alleged poaching activities has become one of the more unusual wildlife crime cases reported in Texas recently. As investigators continue examining evidence, authorities are warning hunters and residents about the importance of following wildlife laws and reporting suspicious activity. The case also highlights growing concerns about illegal hunting happening near residential neighbourhoods.
