Information needed to solve elk poaching

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. -- The Arizona Game and Fish Department is asking for the public's help in finding a poacher that killed three elk just south of Mormon Lake, in the Gash Flat area southeast of Flagstaff, on Aug. 31.

The elk killed include a young bull, a cow, and an adult bull with 5x6 antlers. The animals were found in Game Management Unit 6A off Forest Service Road 127, which is approximately five miles south of Mormon Lake. Officials suspect one poacher shot all three animals. All of the elk were left out in the field to waste. The animals were found along a three-mile stretch of the 127 road. At the time of the poaching, no elk season was taking place in that unit; the archery deer season started the following day.

"This is a blatant example of poachers' disrespect for wildlife and the laws and seasons that are established to protect our wildlife resources," says Wildlife Manager Dan Caputo. "We need help from the public in catching the poacher. If you were in the area recently, please think back about anything you might have seen or heard or any conversations you might have had. Maybe someone doesn't realize he or she has the key to solving this case. The poached animals are considered a major loss for the residents of Arizona and our wildlife resources."

Anyone with information about this poaching can call the department's Operation Game Thief hotline toll-free at (800) 352-0700. A quick report of any poaching case to the department is important, in order to preserve any evidence. Callers may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000 in this case. All calls may remain confidential upon request.