The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) has announced a $2,000 reward for information leading to the resolution of two elk poaching cases near the Nevada/Utah border. The cases involve separate incidents where bull elks were killed and left to waste.
Deanna Ackerman, Regional Director for RMEF, expressed outrage over the incidents: “Stories like these two cases should upset hunters and non-hunters alike. To not only illegally kill these animals, but then to leave them to waste is disgusting and we at the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation want to help in finding these criminals and bringing them to justice.” She hopes the reward will encourage individuals with knowledge of the events to come forward.
The first case involves a bull elk shot during Labor Day weekend in Lincoln County. The animal was found with its head removed near Uvada, close to the Utah border. Game wardens suspect it was poached by someone possibly residing in Utah, as there were no open elk hunts in Nevada at that time, though an archery hunt was ongoing nearby in Utah.
The second incident occurred between December 5th and 6th at Reed Cabin Summit in Unit 231, also in Lincoln County. Investigators believe this elk died where it was shot due to injuries inconsistent with a wounding loss. Its antlers were removed shortly after its death.
John Anderson, Game Warden Lieutenant for NDOW, emphasized the seriousness of these crimes: “These crimes should upset everyone. It’s a waste of Nevada’s wildlife.” He clarified that these acts were not committed by legitimate hunters: “Let’s be very clear, these were not legitimate hunters. In both cases these people blatantly stole a mature bull elk from the people of Nevada and then left it to waste.”
Illegally killing big game without a valid tag is classified as a Class E felony. Anderson noted that leads are scarce and urged public assistance: “Unfortunately, we have very few leads and we need the public’s help if we’re going to catch these criminals.”
Reports of wildlife crime can be made via the OGT hotline or through the NDOW Tip app, which allows anonymous submissions including photos or videos. The app is available on major platforms or through NDOW’s website.
