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New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
Contact: Ross Morgan, (505) 222-4707
ross.morgan@state.nm.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, MARCH 11, 2008:

HEAD-HUNTERS SHOOT TWO ELK NEAR VALLES CALDERA, LEAVE BODIES TO ROT

JEMEZ SPRINGS -- Information about two bull elk that were shot, decapitated and left to rot around March 5 near the Valles Caldera could be worth $750 if it leads to an arrest or charges against those responsible.

The dead elk were found next to N.M. 4 between La Cueva and the Valles Caldera National Preserve. The poachers took only the head or antlers, leaving the rest to rot. The elk were shot on the same night approximately 6 miles apart.   

“Judging by the sizes of the carcasses and scars on one of the bodies, one was a younger smaller-bodied bull and the other one was quite a bit larger, possibly having a set of large antlers,” said Mike Martinez, Department of Game and Fish conservation officer for the Jemez 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. Callers can remain anonymous and a reward of up to $750 could be awarded if information leads to an arrest or charges being filed.

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