Residents of an area just north of Park City have raised more than $17.000 as a reward for information about whoever illegally killed six elk near their homes.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has asked for the public's help to identify the poacher or poachers, who are also facing fines of more than $40,000.
According to the DWR, the six mature bull elk were shot and killed between Dec. 20 and Jan. 15 — picked out of a herd that is often seen “sunning themselves” in the area between Knob Hill and Glenwild.
The animals were shot and “left to waste,” according to the DWR. At least five of the six elk are believed to have been shot by .22 caliber rifles, which fire relatively small bullets and would have, most likely, caused the large animals to die slow, painful deaths.
“Five of the bulls were large enough that they are considered trophy-size animals, and each has a minimum restitution value of $8,000 under Utah State code,” according to a news release from the DWR. Restitution for a smaller elk is set at $750.
The elk were simply left to die and rot. No meat or antlers were taken.
Residents, incensed by the slaughter, are offering cash to anyone with information leading to the arrest and conviction of the poacher or poachers. A GoFundMe campaign launched by John Nowoslawski exceeded its goal of $10,000 — by Wednesday morning, they had raised more than $17,000.
“Those of us who live here knew this herd very well,” he wrote. “They were beautiful animals, and these big boys traveled as a group of 13-15 and were hard to miss.
“This senseless slaughter must receive justice. Money talks, and I am personally starting this effort with a $1,000 donation.”
Anyone with information about the poacher or poachers is asked to call the UTIP hotline at 1-800-662-3337 or the DWR’s Ogden office at 801-476-2740. You can also submit information online at wildlife.utah.gov. Reports can be kept confidential at your request.
