An investigation this week into Texas’ illegal deer breeding industry and black market wildlife trade led Texas Game Wardens to arrest over 20 people across the state, resulting in about 1,200 potential charges.

Texas game wardens have charged 22 suspects as part of a black-market deer breeding operation spanning 111 counties.

TEXAS (KAUZ) - In a recent investigation by Texas Game Wardens, around 22 suspects received approximately 1,200 charges for illegal deer breeding and black-market wildlife trade. According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the suspects and charges are associated with:

The cases stem from a prior investigation involving the illegal smuggling of "ghost deer" that led to two convictions in Montgomery County.

A Texas Game Warden investigation into illegal deer breeding has led to over 1,200 charges against 22 suspects across 11 counties.

An investigation by Texas Game Wardens uncovered illegal white-tailed deer breeding and smuggling which lead to charges against 22 people.

On Thursday, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department announced that a recent investigation unearthed three unlawful deer breeding facilities, ten release sites, one management pen