Multiple elk poached, abandoned in Las Animas County; reward offered for information

Statewide

Dean Miller
Southeast Region Public Information Officer
719-466-3927
[email protected]

A bull elk approaches a forest at the edge of a field

Colorado Parks and Wildlife seeks the public’s help to identify those responsible for illegally poaching and abandoning four large bull elk (similar to the one pictured here) on four different ranches in Las Animas County. The elk were illegally shot Sept. 13, 26 and 27 on separate ranches near the communities of Stonewall and Picketwire.

LAS ANIMAS, Colo - Colorado Parks and Wildlife seeks the public’s help to identify those responsible for illegally poaching and abandoning carcasses of four large bull elk on four separate ranches in Las Animas County. The elk were illegally shot Sept. 13, 26 and 27 near the communities of Stonewall and Picketwire.

Of the four bull elk illegally poached, one was shot and abandoned whole; one was wounded and had to be put down; another was shot with the backstraps removed; the fourth had its head removed with no meat taken.

“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.

Investigators would like to speak with anyone who may have information about these crimes. Information may be provided anonymously through Operation Game Thief at 1-877-265-6648 or by email to [email protected]. A $1,000 reward is being offered for tips that lead to a citation or an arrest. Anyone willing to testify about information they provided which led to the filing of charges would be eligible for a preference point or hunting license.

Poaching is a serious, costly crime which harms legitimate sportspersons, wildlife viewers, small business owners and taxpayers. If convicted, a person charged with poaching violations could face heavy fines and suspension of hunting and fishing licenses.

###

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is an enterprise agency, relying primarily on license sales, state parks fees and registration fees to support its operations, including: 43 state parks and more than 350 wildlife areas covering approximately 900,000 acres, management of fishing and hunting, wildlife watching, camping, motorized and non-motorized trails, boating and outdoor education. CPW's work contributes approximately $6 billion in total economic impact annually throughout Colorado.

DISCLAIMER: The Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) website maintains press releases containing historical information that may no longer be accurate. Press releases are dated, which should be noted to determine whether the information provided is current. Please review our current regulations and brochures for up-to-date information.