In an elaborate poaching scheme that sounds more like a plot from a crime thriller than a wildlife violation, two men in upstate New York were caught posing as an attractive female wildlife photographer on social media. Not for romance but to gain intel on the locations of New York state trophy bucks in no-hunting zones.
The case, which has conservation officials shaking their heads, reveals a disturbing trend of criminals exploiting online communities for illegal hunting operations.
The “Catfish” Poaching Scheme
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced that two individuals, Jayson Zorda of Oneonta and Kevin Butler of Afton, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges after illegally hunting two large antlered deer in a restricted area in the town of Tonawanda. But their tactics went far beyond simple trespassing.
Zorda, the mastermind of the scheme, created a fake Facebook profile, posing as a female wildlife photographer passionate about tracking deer. He used the fake identity to infiltrate online photography groups and interact with legitimate nature photographers. Through these interactions, he gained precise details about where large bucks had been spotted —information that he and Butler later used to track and illegally kill the animals.
The Hunt for the Poachers
The operation unraveled on November 14, 2022, when a local hunter heard the snap of a bowstring and saw a massive 16-point buck stagger into his backyard after being shot. Another man, later identified as Butler, was seen taking photos of the dying deer before the duo fled the scene. Police arrived quickly, but the poachers had already disappeared.
Fortunately, trail cameras had captured images of the men, which were posted online, leading to their identification. Despite initially denying any involvement, search warrants executed at their homes painted a different picture. DEC officers from multiple regions uncovered damning evidence, including cell phone records that exposed a broader poaching network.
Further investigations revealed that Zorda and Butler used more than just social media deception. To avoid detection, they disguised themselves as hikers, carrying compact bows hidden in backpacks and storing arrows inside hollow walking sticks. Their covert tactics helped them blend into suburban and urban landscapes where hunting is strictly prohibited.
Consequences and Fallout
Zorda and Butler ultimately pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges for illegally taking whitetail deer. The court sentenced them to pay a combined $1,075 in fines and surcharges and revoked their hunting licenses for five years. However, the investigation is not over. DEC officials report that additional individuals have been implicated in the scheme, and further charges may be forthcoming.
“This case highlights the darker side of social media,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “These individuals exploited the trust of legitimate wildlife photographers to commit their crimes. We urge the public to be mindful of what they share online and to report any suspicious behavior.”
Lessons for the Hunting and Photography Community
The case has sent shockwaves through the wildlife photography community, with many now reevaluating how they share their images. Experts caution against posting detailed location information for animals, as poachers [not to be confused with legal hunters] can easily misuse it.
“This is a wake-up call,” said an avid wildlife photographer from the area. “We love sharing our work, but we never imagined it could be used to help criminals target these magnificent creatures.”
As the DEC continues to crack down on illegal poaching operations, ethical hunters and conservationists emphasize the importance of fair chase principles.
“Most hunters follow the law and respect wildlife,” said a spokesperson for a local hunting organization. “These poachers give real hunters a bad name.”
For now, the case serves as an odd reminder: Not everyone online is who they claim to be, and even the world of wildlife photography isn’t safe from deception.
“and revoked their hunting licenses for five years.”
They are poachers, taking their hunting license isn’t going to be much of a deterrent. Those two should do some time locked up.
It’s rather ironic, these guys being so tech savvy, and into photography forgot about the prevalence of trail cameras.
So yet again things posted on social media are exploited by criminals. Der
And these two are part of the reason why we can’t have nice things.
Throw them in t he clink for a couple of years, seize all assets related to the poaching – including computers and wifi modems.
Fines work. Big fines. In some states the fine money goes right back in to wildlife habitat mitigation projects. Seize all equipment used in the act of poaching. In one case I remember a clown losing a 1 year old Dodge 4 x 4 pickup and all of his gear. Plus fines. Hit them in the pocket book.
In Pennsylvania this could be a Felony depending on the specifics of the case. Poaching here can land you in jail with a Felony conviction that would also affect your ability to own/possess firearms.
Misdemeanor my butt! They should have been charged with a felony and all items used in the commission of the crimes should have been confiscated! The amount of effort using a computer, disguised including collapsable bows, etc indicates a high degree of planning and intent to violate the law. Also their actions removed this superb buck from the gene pool (as they should be)!