In yet another series of brazen wildlife crimes, four bull elk were found to have been illegally killed in Las Animas County, Colorado. The incidents are believed to have taken place near the Stonewall and Picketwire areas on September 13, 26, and 27, respectively. The trail of death has since left local authorities and residents outraged over the senseless loss, leading them to demand answers from the public.
The quartet of poaching incidents involved four mature bull elk, each targeted in a different yet distinct and wasteful manner. In one case, an elk was killed and left entirely intact, with no parts harvested. Another elk was found wounded, leaving CPW officers with no choice but to euthanize the animal to end its suffering. A third elk had only its backstraps removed, indicating minimal effort to utilize the animal’s meat. In the final incident, the elk’s head was taken, likely for its antlers as a trophy, while no meat was harvested.
“These were senseless and disgraceful acts which demonstrates a complete disregard for Colorado wildlife,” said Jim Hawkins, CPW Assistant Chief of Law Enforcement and Operation Game Thief Coordinator.
CPW is actively investigating the incidents and has offered a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest or citation. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Operation Game Thief at 1-877-265-6648 or via email at [email protected]. Informants who testify may be eligible for a free hunting license or preference points for future tags.
In Colorado, poaching big game like elk is classified as a felony, carrying severe penalties including fines, and even potential jail time. The investigation remains ongoing, with no suspects publicly identified as of right now.
“Poaching is a serious, costly crime which harms legitimate sportspersons, wildlife viewers, small business owners and taxpayers,” CPW said. “If convicted, a person charged with poaching violations could face heavy fines and suspension of hunting and fishing licenses.”
