A man and woman have been convicted for their roles in the illegal killing of a trophy-class bull elk inside Great Basin National Park in November 2022. The incident was brought to attention after several public reports on November 9, 2022, suggested a possible illegal harvest of a 6×6 bull elk. Nevada Game Warden Nick Brunson's investigation confirmed that the elk had been killed over half a mile within the park's boundaries, where hunting is prohibited. The case was forwarded to the White Pine County District Attorney’s Office, which proceeded with charges.
The female defendant, who possessed a valid Nevada elk tag, entered a plea of guilty/no contest in May 2024 to charges of hunting in a closed area and received a $415 fine.
The male defendant pleaded guilty in March 2025 to possession of an unlawfully harvested big game animal, classified as a gross misdemeanor. His sentence included 15 days in jail (suspended), 12 months of parole and probation, $738 in court-related costs, and a $5,000 civil penalty payable to the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW).
During the investigation led by NDOW, authorities seized the antlers with the skull attached, skinned cape, and processed meat from the elk. No firearms or vehicles were confiscated.
“This case is a strong example of how public reports, effective investigation, and interagency cooperation help protect Nevada’s wildlife,” stated Chief Game Warden Kristy Knight. She emphasized that such violations are taken seriously when they occur in protected areas like Great Basin National Park.
NDOW continues to remind hunters about adhering strictly to state and federal hunting regulations as hunting within national parks remains forbidden.