Investigation Begins Into 3rd Case Of Illegal Elk Poaching In Arizona

An illegally killed bull elk discovered in Flagstaff, Arizona on December 3, 2017, marked the third elk poaching discovered since last month.

According to the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the elk, estimated to be between 3 and 4 years old, was shot and left to waste in Game Management Unit 11M, where no elk season was going on at the time.

Investigating officers believe the elk, which was reportedly left with its antlers intact, was shot from a vehicle.

“We are hoping residents in the area remember seeing a vehicle or hearing a gunshot near sundown on Dec. 3 and can provide the vehicle or suspect descriptions,” said Game and Fish Wildlife Officer Colby Walton. “We believe someone knows about this poaching and we would like them to come forward with information.”

A reward of up to $1,500 is being offered in this case for information leading to the arrest of the violator(s).

Anyone with information about the case can call the Department’s Operation Game Thief Hotline toll-free at (800) 352-0700 or use the online form at www.azgfd.gov/ogt. Callers should provide case number 17-004775 and may remain anonymous upon request, and all identities will be kept confidential.

Operation Game Thief is a silent witness, anti-poaching program that encourages the public to report any suspicious activity or knowledge about a poaching violation. The toll-free hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year to report wildlife violations.