Cow Elk Poached Near Lovell; Wyoming Authorities Seek Information
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is seeking information after a cow elk was illegally shot and partially left to waste near Lovell.
A tip submitted via the Stop Poaching Hotline on Monday led Lovell Game Warden Dillon Herman to investigate. He found evidence that a cow elk was shot and killed in Elk Hunt Area 40, just below the last runaway truck ramp on Highway 14A near mile marker 70.
Some meat was removed from the carcass before it was dragged down the highway by a vehicle for two and a half miles, then discarded. The carcass and remaining edible portions were thrown over a guardrail and abandoned.
Herman believes the elk was poached sometime last week. Elk season closed Nov. 30.
"Wasting any edible portion of a game animal is not only unlawful, it is unethical," Herman said. "I cannot imagine any scenario where dragging an elk down the highway is justified. This situation is an unusual and shocking act of disrespect towards wildlife and law-abiding hunters."
Anyone who may have information regarding the incident, or anyone who was in the area and may have noted suspicious vehicles or activities, is encouraged to call Herman at 307-548-7310, the Cody Game and Fish Office at 307-527-7125, or the Stop Poaching Hotline at 1-877-WGFD-TIP.
Hotline callers may remain anonymous. Any information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case may result in a reward of up to $5,000.