Rock Springs Man Sentenced for Poaching Elk, Mountain Lion
A Rock Springs man will pay over $5,000 in fines and be unable to hunt or fish for two years after admitting his involvement in two poaching incidents.
Christian J. Cosby illegally killed a bull elk in 2017 and killed a mountain lion using a firearm of an illegal caliber in 2018, according to a statement from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
Authorities in the Green River area received multiple tips about Cosby's illegal taking of the bull elk in 2017. An investigation revealed that he shot the elk in the area of Aspen Mountain, in Elk Hunt Area 30, but had an elk license valid only for Elk Hunt Area 93.
Cosby reportedly lied to investigators about the area in which he took the elk.
The investigation revealed a number of additional wildlife violations by Cosby, according to the department, including the fact that he used a rifle of an illegal caliber to kill a mountain lion in February 2018.
In early January, Cosby pleaded guilty to intentionally taking an antlered big game animal and taking a trophy game animal with an illegal caliber firearm. He was ordered to pay $5,055, had to surrender the elk antlers and compound bow, and saw his hunting and fishing privileges revoked in Wyoming as well as 46 other states.
"Photos and information provided by concerned citizens who came forward were key to the investigation," Rock Springs Game Warden Andy Roosa said in the statement. "The elk herd south of Rock Springs is prized by locals and is one of the most difficult hunt areas in Wyoming to draw a Type 1 Limited Quota License (any elk). The attention paid to this elk herd paid off by providing photographic evidence, which led to a successful conviction in this case."
Wildlife violations can be reported via the Stop Poaching Hotline at 1-877-WGFD-TIP (1-877-943-3847).