Three active-duty U.S. Army soldiers have been convicted on misdemeanor wildlife charges after Colorado wildlife officials concluded they illegally killed six mule deer on and around Fort Carson, abandoning partially processed animals across both military and state land.
According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), the investigation began in November 2024 after a civilian hunter reported discovering a dead mule deer inside a Fort Carson training area. The animal appeared to have been unlawfully harvested, prompting a joint response by CPW wildlife officers and Fort Carson Conservation Law Enforcement Officers.
When officers arrived, they identified multiple irregularities. The buck had been shot and left behind, with only select cuts of meat removed and its antlers sawed off. Approximately 100 yards away, investigators located a second deer—a doe—that had also been shot, partially processed, and abandoned.
Boot tracks in the snow linked both animals and led investigators across the installation toward a nearby roadway. The tracks eventually faded near a wildland firefighter station, where personnel recalled an unfamiliar vehicle parked in the area for an extended period and had photographed it due to its unusual presence.
That photograph helped investigators identify a vehicle associated with Sgt. Jacob Curtis Keyser, an active-duty soldier stationed at Fort Carson. While the vehicle’s presence alone did not establish wrongdoing, CPW officials said it provided an investigative lead that warranted further inquiry.
Digital Evidence and Interviews
As the investigation continued, wildlife officers obtained search warrants and reviewed additional evidence, including digital material. CPW stated that investigators later reviewed publicly available social media images as part of the investigation, which they said appeared to show mule deer taken during the same period and helped corroborate physical and digital evidence gathered during the case.
During a subsequent interview, Keyser admitted to illegally harvesting six mule deer and to trespassing on both military and state land. He voluntarily surrendered his hunting rifle to authorities.
Digital evidence later indicated Keyser had acted with an accomplice, identified as Staff Sgt. Juan Salcedo. Investigators also determined a third soldier assisted in disposing of illegally obtained venison after learning of the investigation.
Charges and Penalties
Court records show the following outcomes:
- Sgt. Jacob Curtis Keyser, 23
- Convicted on 30 wildlife-related charges
- Fined $19,005
- Assessed 180 suspension points against his hunting license
- Forfeiture of his hunting rifle, which CPW said will be destroyed
- Staff Sgt. Juan Salcedo, 35
- Convicted on 15 wildlife-related charges
- Fined $8,817
- Assessed 65 suspension points
- Pleaded guilty to several charges in June
- Third Soldier (unnamed)
- Fined $900 for disposing of illegally taken venison
All charges were filed as misdemeanors under Colorado law.
Potential Lifetime Hunting Ban
CPW confirmed that all three soldiers will face an upcoming license suspension hearing. Depending on the outcome, they could receive multi-year or lifetime bans under the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, which enforces reciprocal hunting and fishing license penalties across all 50 states.
A Fort Carson spokesperson did not immediately respond to questions regarding the soldiers’ current duty status or whether any administrative or disciplinary action is pending within the Army.
Investigation Highlighted by CPW
CPW characterized the case as one of the most significant wildlife enforcement investigations in southern Colorado during the past year, citing coordination between state wildlife officers and military law enforcement, careful scene processing, and digital forensic analysis.
The investigation ultimately connected physical evidence from the field, witness information, vehicle identification, and digital records spanning several months.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife encourages the public to report suspected poaching anonymously through Operation Game Thief at 1-877-265-6648 or by email at game.thief@state.co.us.
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