Doorbell Cameras Help Catch Arkansas Poacher

Remote surveillance technology plays key role in wildlife crime investigation

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Arkansas Game and Fish Commission enforcement officials successfully prosecuted a case involving a man who was killing deer in Little Rock's Cammack Village neighborhood using a crossbow from his truck window. Investigators were able to obtain video footage from homeowners' doorbell and porch cameras to track the suspect's vehicle and identify him, leading to his arrest and conviction.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing importance of remote surveillance technology, including doorbell and security cameras, in helping wildlife agencies solve and prosecute poaching incidents, even in urban areas where traditional evidence gathering can be challenging.

The details

The poacher would shoot deer in front yards with a crossbow from his truck window in the early morning hours while the neighborhood slept. Game and Fish officials were initially stumped because the crossbow discharges quietly, leaving little physical evidence. However, by requesting camera footage from homeowners in the affected areas, investigators were able to get a clear description of the suspect's vehicle, including the license plate number, as well as a facial description of the driver. Digital enhancement software was used to sharpen the video resolution.

  • In 2024, the poaching incidents occurred in the Cammack Village neighborhood of Little Rock.
  • Game and Fish officials successfully prosecuted the case later that year.

The players

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

The state agency responsible for managing and protecting Arkansas' wildlife and natural resources.

Cammack Village

A residential neighborhood in Little Rock, Arkansas where the poaching incidents took place.

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What they’re saying

“Wildlife agencies have long used remote cameras to gather evidence in the forests and fields. That was the first time I heard of them tapping civilian cameras to gather evidence of urban violations. I doubt it will be the last.”

— Bryan Hendricks (arkansasonline.com)

The takeaway

This case demonstrates how the growing prevalence of doorbell and security cameras in residential areas can be leveraged by wildlife agencies to help solve and prosecute poaching crimes, even in urban settings where traditional evidence gathering is more challenging. It highlights the evolving role of technology in modern wildlife law enforcement.