What makes this so dificult is the emotion involved because the prize deer were killed and or stollen. I don't like it but the law may very well look at it like kids vandalizing or stealing a mans $70,000 dozer on a worksite. A slap on the wrist pay some fines and move on. The OP is right about the law catching them before owner does. I am afraid law will not bring justice for the victims. But it rarely does.