Below is a news release from Colorado Parks and Wildlife. For 2023, Fiocchi partnered with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation to increase the visibility of poaching incidents in an effort to reduce poaching nationwide.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is asking the public for help to identify who killed a large bull elk and dumped its carcass June 26 in Park County. CPW believes the elk was shot sometime between June 24-26 in the area between Como and Hartsel.
Wildlife officers were alerted to a bull elk carcass which had been dumped alongside Pike National Forest Road 146, just east of the Buffalo subdivision. The elk had been shot with a high-power rifle and only the meat along the spine, or the backstrap, had been removed. One of the antlers was cut in half and left beside the carcass.
The elk was killed out of season, and the majority of the meat from the elk was left to waste, in violation of state hunting regulations.
Officers would like to speak with campers in the Tarryall area during that time or residents of either the Indian Mountain or Buffalo subdivisions who may have information about the crime.
“This was a senseless and disgraceful act which demonstrates a complete disregard for Colorado’s wildlife,” said District Wildlife Manager Ian Petkash. “The parties responsible need to be held accountable.”
Information can be provided anonymously through Operation Game Thief at 877-265-6648 or game.thief@state.co.us. A $1,000 dollar reward is being offered for tips in this case. Anyone willing to testify about information they provided which led to the filing of charges would be eligible for a preference point or hunting license.
Poaching is a serious, costly crime which harms legitimate sportspersons, wildlife viewers, small business owners and taxpayers. If convicted, a person charged with poaching violations could face heavy fines and suspension of hunting and fishing licenses.
(Photo credit: Colorado Parks and Wildlife)