In case you missed it, this week there was a call for help to stop elk poaching in Arizona, a new wolf pack was found in Washington, public land is being blocked in Montana and a large dieoff of bighorn sheep in North Dakota. Here are those top news stories.

AZGFD: Help us find elk poachers

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According to the Arizona Game and Fish Department, three unrelated bull elk poaching incidents have occurred since the last week of August. The cases are especially significant because the elk were taken out of season, showing a blatant disregard for the wildlife management rules biologists have established to make hunting a viable and sustainable practice. Read the full story here.

New wolf pack discovered in WA

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The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has confirmed a new wolf pack in northeastern Washington. Officials also report that its six members appear to have been involved in the killing of a cow and calf. Read the report here.

Montana landowners block access to public land

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According to a report released by the Montana Wildlife Federation (MTWF), Montana has more hunters and anglers than any other state in the United States — and also more challenges providing access to public lands. About one-third of the land in Montana is public, but it is not always easy to find access to those lands, as there have been issues with people illegally closing off public roads that run by private property. Read the story here.

Big setback for North Dakota Bighorn

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Since last month, at least 20 of North Dakota’s prized bighorn sheep have died of pneumonia in the northern Badlands habitat. Tests indicated that the disease came from contact with domestic sheep. It is spreading among the several bighorn groups in what biologist Brett Wiedmann calls “the hub of the wheel” for bighorns. Read the full story here.