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).
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. 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.
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 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.
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.
Deer carcass left to waste in Parachute
Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers are asking for help in finding the person, or persons responsible for taking only the head and antlers from a mule deer found dead on the north side of County Road 300, across from the High Mesa Road.
Anyone with information is urged to call the Colorado Parks and Wildlife office in Grand Junction at 970-255-6100, or if they wish to remain anonymous, they can also call Operation Game Thief at 1-877-265-6648. OGT is offering $500 for information that leads to a citation. In addition, both Williams Petroleum and EnCana have offered to match that amount, bringing the total reward to $1500. 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 either Tuesday Nov. 1, or Wednesday Nov. 2.
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.
Douglas County Deer Poaching
Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers are investigating a wildlife crime in Douglas County involving a deer dumped on the side of Sugar Creek Road between the evening of Thurs. Oct. 27 and Sat. Oct. 29.
The partially field-dressed deer was found on the west side of the road, also known as CO 67, two miles south of Sprucewood in western Douglas County between Sedalia and Deckers. The head was removed.
The area near the found carcass has multiple dirt bike trails and the forest is used heavily by recreational dirt bikers and hunters, as well as anglers. Wildlife officers are hoping that someone recreating in the area may have 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.
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). Information about the case can also be e-mailed to game.thief@state.co.us.
Elk Illegally Killed in Fremont County
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is asking the public to help solve a poaching crime in Fremont County.
Two dead elk were discovered late last week along High Park Rd. (Fremont Co. Rd. 11) in northeast Fremont County. The hind quarters of one of the elk was taken, but the rest of the animals were abandoned.
"High Park Road is well traveled, so we hope someone might have seen something and will come forward with information that will solve this crime," said Wildlife Officer Bob Carochi. "Anyone who provides information becomes eligible for a cash reward from Operation Game Thief if their information leads to a citation or arrest."
Callers can contact Carochi at 719-276-8844 or Operation Game Thief toll-free at 1-877-265-6648. Verizon cell phone users can dial #OGT. Tips can also be submitted via email at game.thief@state.co.us.
Officers Seek Info in Moose Death
Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers are asking the public for assistance in locating a hunter who may have illegally killed a bull moose near Silverthorne on Oct. 22. Several people hiking along the Gore Range and Rock Creek/Pebble Creek Trail reported that they encountered a hunter who told them he had shot a bull moose by mistake, but the individual has yet to report the incident to wildlife officers.
The popular trail is approximately seven miles north of Silverthorne, and officers are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or spoke to the hunter that day to call Shannon Schwab, Colorado Parks and Wildlife Officer in Summit County at 970-485-3081. Callers wishing to remain anonymous can contact Operation Game Thief toll-free at 1-877-265-6648. Tips can also be submitted via email at game.thief@state.co.us. Operation Game Thief offers a reward if a tip leads to a citation.
"The hikers told us that the hunter confessed to them, but he has yet to call us," said Schwab. "We have a description, we have witnesses, we have items that this person left behind and we're making every effort to find him, but it would be better for him if he turns himself in."
Schwab says that wildlife managers understand that accidents can happen and officers will take prompt reporting into consideration when assessing fines. It is a hunter's responsibility to identify their target and Schwab says hunters have an ethical responsibility to notify authorities as soon as possible if they make a mistake in the field.
"We would like to hear from this person, or from anyone else who knows who he is," said Schwab.
See Elk vs. Moose 
(3MB) for a fact sheet describing the differences between moose and elk and see our video. To learn more about moose in Colorado, see Moose Profile.