ALAMOGORDO - The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish is offering a $500 reward for information leading to the apprehension of an individual or individuals believed to have illegally killed four deer and then dumped the carcasses near Alamogordo.

The deer carcasses were found Dec. 1 along Dulce Road in the Boles Acres subdivision south of Alamogordo. Most of the meat and the head of one deer had been removed. Several Wal-Mart bags of deer meat also were found at the site.

The person who found the carcasses reported seeing a maroon Ford F-150 pickup in the area of the dump site.

Anyone with information about this apparent poaching incident or any information about the Ford pickup is urged to call Operation Game Thief toll-free at 1-800-432-4263.

Callers also may contact Marcelino Peralta, Alamogordo District wildlife officer, at (575) 430-4212. Callers need not identify themselves. If the information leads to an arrest or filing of charges, the caller may be eligible for a $500 reward.