Poached elk carcass left to decay Photo: Courtesy of Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

UTAH — The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) is seeking information regarding two bull elk killed and then left to decay in Sevier County. The elk was killed in the Browns Hole area on Fislake Mountain. One elk was believed to be shot on October 8, while the other was on October 12 and shot with a small caliber bullet. There was no apparent attempt to remove meat from either elk. Allowing protected wildlife to be wasted is illegal.

The poaching of the big game remains an issue across the state, including locally, with an ongoing investigation of a reported incident in East Canyon involving two elk that were shot from the side of the road, their heads cut off, and their bodies left. In 2021 alone, officers confirmed that 1,153 animals were illegally killed, valued at over $610,000.

DWR is asking for anyone with knowledge of either incident or any other wildlife-related crimes in Utah to report it to DWR conservation officers. Officers can be notified through the UTiP Hotline at 800-662-3337, the UTDWR Law Enforcement app, texting 847411, or through the DWR website.