If you, or anyone you know, have information on these, or any, wildlife crimes in the state of Colorado, please call 1-877-COLO-OGT (1-877-265-6648). Verizon cell phone users can call #648 (#OGT).
Mule Deer Carcass Abandoned Near Granby
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is asking the public for help in identifying the person, or persons responsible for dumping a headless mule deer carcass in a dumpsite along the Colorado River a few miles west of Granby. The carcass was discovered on March 20, 2012.
Because of evidence found at the site, officers believe that the buck may have been harvested legally during last year's hunting season but was not skinned and prepared for human consumption as required by law, leaving the meat to waste.
The condition of the carcass suggests it was dumped only days before it was discovered.
"This was a waste of Colorado's wildlife resource, and we take it seriously," said District Wildlife Manager Scott Murdoch of Granby. "It appears that the person who did this hung the animal after it was killed months ago, but never got around to actually preparing it for consumption."
Wasting game meat is a serious offense and can lead to fines, felony charges and suspension of hunting privileges in Colorado and other Wildlife Violator Compact states.
Officers believe the suspect may be planning to have the head and antlers mounted, and ask anyone with information to contact authorities immediately.
"We rely on the public's help to identify people involved in any illegal activity, and we value their cooperation," said Murdoch. "We would like to talk to the person who did this and find out what happened."
To provide anonymous information, the public is urged to call Operation Game Thief at 1-877-COLO-OGT (877-265-6648). Verizon cell phone users can call #648 (#OGT). Rewards may be offered to anyone with information that leads to a conviction.
Two Elk Illegally Killed on Christmas Eve in Fairplay
Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers are seeking information on a poacher who shot two large bull elk less than 80 yards off of highway 285. The elk were killed approximately two miles south of Fairplay on Christmas Eve, Sat. Dec. 24, 2011. The poacher cut the heads off and took minimal back strap meat, leaving the majority of the animals to rot.
"Citizens have already come forward with some critical information about the time they were shot," said Mark Lamb, district wildlife manager for South Park. "I'm sure others out there can help us identify the poacher.This crime showed a complete disregard for our wildlife and our game laws. We are anxious to bring this poacher to justice."
Anyone with information about this case or who may have witnessed suspicious activity is encouraged contact Operation Game Thief or call Officer Lamb at 719-836-2207.
Operation Game Thief is offering a $1000 cash reward in this case. Operation Game Thief provides rewards for information that leads to the arrest of a suspect in poaching cases. Anyone with information can anonymously report information toll-free to Operation Game Thief at 877-265-6648 (877-COLO-OGT). Information about the case can also be e-mailed to game.thief@state.co.us.
Mule Deer Carcass Discovered Near Rangely
Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers are asking the public for any information that can help identify the person or persons who shot and abandoned a mule deer buck along Rio Blanco County Road 116, south of Rangely.
Only the buck's head had been removed, leaving the carcass in the field to rot.
"We appreciate the public's help with any information that can help stop this senseless waste," said District Wildlife Manager Terry Wygant. "Poachers steal from everybody and take opportunity away from legal hunters, and we will do all we can to stop it."
Investigators believe the incident occurred on or around the afternoon of Friday, Dec. 2, 2011.
Operation Game Thief is offering a $500 cash reward in this case. Operation Game Thief provides rewards for information that leads to the arrest of a suspect in poaching cases. Anyone with information can anonymously report information toll-free to Operation Game Thief at 877-265-6648 (877-COLO-OGT). Information about the case can also be e-mailed to game.thief@state.co.us.
Two Wildlife Crimes in Northeastern Colorado
Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers are investigating two wildlife crimes in northeastern Colorado.
In Pinewood Lake, a large bull elk was killed Thanksgiving night or early the next morning. The incident occurred off Larimer County Road 18E, just west of the intersection with James Park Trail. Only the head, hindquarters, and backstraps were removed from the bull and the remainder was left to rot.
In Boulder, a 4 x 6 mule deer was found dead on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011, off Cloverleaf Drive. The trophy-sized animal displayed wounds which may have resulted from being shot, though officers are unsure if it was shot at that location.
Operation Game Thief is offering a $500 reward in each case. Operation Game Thief provides rewards for information that leads to the arrest of a suspect in poaching cases. Anyone with information can anonymously report information toll-free to Operation Game Thief at 877-265-6648 (877-COLO-OGT). Information about the case can also be e-mailed to game.thief@state.co.us.
Larimer County Deer Poaching
Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers are investigating a wildlife crime in Larimer County involving a large buck mule deer shot in the town of Pinewood Springs on private property along Kiowa Road on Thursday, Nov 10, 2011.
The deer, noted by local residents and often seen, was shot in the early afternoon before 3 p.m. The entire carcass, including the trophy-sized 5 x 6 antlers, was left to waste.
Anyone with information about this case or who may have witnessed suspicious activity can contact Operation Game Thief at 877-265-6648.
Operation Game Thief is offering a $500 cash reward in this case. Operation Game Thief provides rewards for information that leads to the arrest of a suspect in poaching cases. Anyone with information can anonymously report information toll-free to Operation Game Thief at 877-265-6648 (877-COLO-OGT). Information about the case can also be e-mailed to game.thief@state.co.us.
Pueblo Bear Poaching
Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers are investigating a poaching crime near Avondale involving a bear shot on private property sometime around Nov. 1, 2011.
The female bear was found by a hunter near Olson Rd. and 53rd Lane. "Two cubs were spotted nearby, but they were around 65 pounds each so we think they have a good chance to make it on their own," said District Wildlife Manager Gretchen Holschuh.
Wildlife officers hope someone may have heard or seen something that may shed light on the incident. Anyone with information about this case, or who may have witnessed suspicious activity, can contact Operation Game Thief at 877-265-6648 or call Holschuh directly at 719-250-9089.
Operation Game Thief is offering a $500 reward in this case. Operation Game Thief provides rewards for information that leads to the arrest of a suspect in poaching cases. Anyone with information can anonymously report information toll-free to Operation Game Thief at 877-265-6648 (877-COLO-OGT). Verizon cell phone users can dial #OGT. Information about the case can also be e-mailed to game.thief@state.co.us.