Las Vegas – Conservation Officers are seeking information regarding the poaching and waste of two trophy bull elk on the Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge on November 20, 2015.
Refuge staff discovered the two poached bull elk in the early morning and immediately reported the violation to Department of Game and Fish Officers. The poached elk were found 300 yards apart just off of Highway 281, one bull was a 6 x 6 and the other was a 6 x 7. Both were shot in the neck and one was also shot in the hind quarter. The carcasses were whole and left to rot, apparently shot for fun. Due to the warm temperatures the meat was not salvageable.
Elk hunting is not currently available on the Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge but many locals like to watch the herd near town. The poaching of these animals is a loss to the citizens of Las Vegas and another example of rampant poaching in the area. Captain Ty Jackson said, “We are hopeful the citizens of San Miguel and Mora counties will stand up and say enough is enough. Citizens often express fear of retaliation if they provide information on poachers but you can remain anonymous. Without information these cases may not be solved. Citizens can also support wildlife by expressing the need for more serious fines for poachers when they are caught.”
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact Officer Nygren at 505-250-4221 or file a report 24/7 online at: https://onlinesales.wildlife.state.nm.us/public/ogt or by calling Operation Game Thief (1-800 432-4263). Callers can remain anonymous and receive an OGT reward of $1,500 if charges are filed. Additional reward money may be available from local businesses and community members.