VA Man Poached Beloved 'Hollywood Buck,' Other Deer, Officials Say

RICHMOND, VA — A Virginia man is facing charges after state wildlife officials said he illegally killed multiple deer during the recent hunting season, including Richmond's renowned Hollywood Buck.

Jason Walters, 36, was arrested Sunday and charged with 19 separate wildlife violations related to the illegal killing of three deer, according to a Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources news release. Charges include illegal possession of wildlife, trespassing, failing to check and tag a deer and littering.

Charges are also pending against an accomplice identified as Alan Proffitt, 36, of Richmond, officials said.

According to authorities, in December 2023, Walters shared photos of himself posing with a nontypical 29-point buck on the Star City Whitetails Facebook page, claiming he shot the deer in Prince Edward County using a muzzleloader.

Authorities said community members recognized the animal as "Hollywood Buck," a buck frequently spotted in the Hollywood Cemetery located in the Oregon Hill neighborhood of Richmond, and notified authorities.

According to wildlife officials, Hollywood Buck was well-known for his large, distinctive antlers, making him easily identifiable.

Walters was arrested following the execution of 10 search warrants. During the searches, authorities recovered of two sets of antlers, including those from Hollywood Buck.

"The (officers) involved in the investigation devoted countless hours to gathering evidence in this case," Major Ryan Shuler, deputy chief of DWR Law Enforcement, said in a statement. "We appreciate the support of the Richmond and Chesterfield County police departments, as well as Hollywood Cemetery and the James River Park System in bringing the suspect to justice."

Shuler continued, "The illegal killing of this deer was a blow to the community. It damaged the reputation of law-abiding hunters across the commonwealth."