The Pennsylvania Game Commission has confirmed that someone shot and killed a piebald deer and tried to cut off its antlers earlier this month in East Hempfield Township.

The commission verified the killing of the deer on Wednesday and is investigating. 

The deer was found Oct. 10 along the Trestle Trail spur of the Farmingdale Trail. The Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority owns the 75-acre property and runs it as a public park. Hunting is not permitted.

The piebald buck was notable because it had a rare genetic condition that made its coat almost all white. Many people who frequented the park considered the deer special and almost a pet. 

Jim Warner, retired CEO of the waste authority, is offering a $1.500 reward for information leading to the shooter’s arrest.

The game commission is asking anyone with information about the dead piebald deer to contact its 24-hour dispatch center at 833-742-4868, or its Operation Game Thief hotline at 888-742-8001. Reports also can be made here.


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