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New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
Contact: Ross Morgan, 222-4707
ross.morgan@state.nm.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JAN. 24, 2008:

DEPARTMENT WANTS HEAD-HUNTING POACHER WHO KILLED ELK, LEFT IT TO ROT

GRANTS -- Information about a bull elk that was shot, decapitated and left to rot around Jan. 16 near Grants could be worth $750 if it leads to an arrest or charges against those responsible.

The dead elk was found next to a cliff about 80 yards from the highway right-of-way fence off N.M. 117 about 5 miles south of Interstate 40. An investigation revealed that poachers shot the elk and took only its head, leaving the rest to rot.   

“Judging by the size of the body, this was a large elk and could have had very large antlers,” said Craig Sanchez, Department of Game and Fish conservation officer for the Grants area.      

Anyone who has information or knows anyone who has information about this case is encouraged to call the Operation Game Thief Hotline at (800) 432-4263. A reward of up to $750.00 could be awarded if information leads to an arrest or charges being filed.

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