It’s definitely offseason for elk hunting, but someone didn’t get the message. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is looking for any leads in a recent poaching incident that occurred in Park County, Colorado around June 26.
A large bull elk carcass was left to waste with the majority of the meat still there, according to Channel 9 News. CPW believes the elk was illegally shot between June 24 and 26 in the area between Como and Hartsel, west of Colorado Springs. The carcass was dumped along Pike National Forest Road 146.
A high-power rifle was used and only the backstraps and one antler was removed. The rest of the carcass was left to rot. CPW is hopeful that campers or residents in the Tarryall area or the Indian Mountain Buffalo subdivisions may have seen something related to the crime.
“This was a senseless and disgraceful act which demonstrates a complete disregard for Colorado’s wildlife,” said Ian Petkash, CPW District Wildlife Manager. “The parties responsible need to be held accountable.”
CPW is offering a $1,000 reward for any information that leads to the arrest of the individual responsible for poaching this bull elk. Information can be provided anonymously through Operation Game Thief at 877-265-6648 or game.thief@state.co.us.