Game and Fish investigating elk poaching near Ash Fork
Up to $3,000 in rewards for information
A reward of up to $3,000 is being offered for information regarding the poaching of a bull elk north of Ash Fork.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Operation Game Thief program is offering up to $1,500 for information leading to an arrest, and an anonymous contributor is offering up to an additional $1,500 upon conviction of those responsible for the criminal act.
The elk was found at Partridge Creek and is believed to have been illegally killed. Evidence at the scene was collected, but Arizona Game and Fish Department Officer Ben Shelby is seeking additional information regarding the case.
Shelby, a Region 3 wildlife manager who works Game Management Unit 10, said the entire animal was left to waste.
“Evidence at the scene suggests this was an unlawful taking of wildlife,” Shelby said. “The animal was apparently shot, but there was a lot of wildlife disturbance at the scene.”
Shelby said he hopes an individual with information will come forward and provide a good starting point. He added that someone may have overheard a conversation, seen a vehicle at the scene, or witnessed the actual poaching.
“Through the Game and Fish Operation Game Thief program, we managed to catch a number of poachers this year,” Shelby said. “It’s important to remember that this is not the act of sportsmen, it’s the act of a criminal. Poaching is a crime and I certainly hope we can bring those responsible to justice.”
Anyone with information regarding this case, or any wildlife violation, should call the OGT hotline at (800) 352-0700. Web submissions can be reported via the internet by going to www.azgfd.gov/thief. Identities will remain confidential. Anyone calling should reference case number 11-000959.
Up to $3,000 in rewards for information
A reward of up to $3,000 is being offered for information regarding the poaching of a bull elk north of Ash Fork.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Operation Game Thief program is offering up to $1,500 for information leading to an arrest, and an anonymous contributor is offering up to an additional $1,500 upon conviction of those responsible for the criminal act.
The elk was found at Partridge Creek and is believed to have been illegally killed. Evidence at the scene was collected, but Arizona Game and Fish Department Officer Ben Shelby is seeking additional information regarding the case.
Shelby, a Region 3 wildlife manager who works Game Management Unit 10, said the entire animal was left to waste.
“Evidence at the scene suggests this was an unlawful taking of wildlife,” Shelby said. “The animal was apparently shot, but there was a lot of wildlife disturbance at the scene.”
Shelby said he hopes an individual with information will come forward and provide a good starting point. He added that someone may have overheard a conversation, seen a vehicle at the scene, or witnessed the actual poaching.
“Through the Game and Fish Operation Game Thief program, we managed to catch a number of poachers this year,” Shelby said. “It’s important to remember that this is not the act of sportsmen, it’s the act of a criminal. Poaching is a crime and I certainly hope we can bring those responsible to justice.”
Anyone with information regarding this case, or any wildlife violation, should call the OGT hotline at (800) 352-0700. Web submissions can be reported via the internet by going to www.azgfd.gov/thief. Identities will remain confidential. Anyone calling should reference case number 11-000959.