Texas Game Wardens Bust ‘Ghost Deer’ Ring, Now With 24 Individuals Charged

Who knew that illegal deer breeding was such a big thing? According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, there have now been two more suspects who have surrendered in connection with the 'Ghost Deer' investigation.

We first heard about it in February. Then, there were more arrests in March and this is when we realized this was a massive illegal ring. Now, with the latest two arrests that make the total number of 24 individuals charged with around 1,400 charges filed across 11 Texas counties.

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The latest two are Ken Schlaudt, 64, of San Antonio, who is the owner of four deer breeding facilities and one release site, and Bill Bowers, 55, of San Angelo, a facility manager. The TPWD said, both men turned themselves in to the Travis County District Attorney's Office.  According to a press release, they both entered false information into the Texas Wildlife Information Management System to smuggle white-tailed breeder deer. They are facing more than 100 misdemeanor charges in Tom Green County for unlawful breeding and deer activities.

This investigation began in March 2024 with a traffic stop that revealed the initial violations. That discovery led game wardens to a massive network now considered one of the largest deer smuggling cases in Texas history.

Authorities say this investigation has uncovered illegal deer breeding and transport. Alleged violations include smuggling captive breeder and free-range whitetail deer between facilities and ranches, Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) testing violations, license infractions, and even felony and misdemeanor drug charges for mishandling controlled sedation drugs.

The suspects are from all across Texas and one from Tennessee and they are facing charges in 11 counties: Bandera, Bee, Brazoria, Duval, Edwards, Jim Wells, Live Oak, Montgomery, Tom Green, Travis, and Webb.

These cases remain pending as the investigation continues.