Illegal elk killing under investigation at Park City Mountain

The area of Park City Mountain where an elk was poached and found on September 26. Photo: TownLift // Marina Knight

PARK CITY, Utah — A bow hunter illegally killed an elk at Park City Mountain in late September, according to Utah state wildlife officials. Officials said Tuesday the investigation is ongoing.

According to the Park City Police Department blotter, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) received a report of a suspicious deer poached on private land on Sept. 26. Conservation officers responded to the scene the following day and found a dead elk with its head removed and all the meat harvested.

Faith Jolley, spokesperson for the Utah DWR, confirmed that the incident occurred within the extended archery elk hunting unit along the Wasatch Front. However, she noted that the area where the elk was found was private property owned by Park City Mountain Resort, where hunting was strictly prohibited.

“The elk was harvested within the extended archery season dates,” Jolley said. “The incident is still under investigation, and our officer is working with Park City Mountain Resort.”

Emily McDonald, a spokesperson for Park City Mountain, emphasized that hunting is strictly prohibited on resort property. “Park City Mountain operates on private property, and hunting is prohibited year-round at the resort,” McDonald stated. “It is prohibited for the safety of our guests and employees and also aligns with Park City Municipal ordinances that apply across the property.”

McDonald added that prohibition notices are posted at major entry points to the property, including access points along Mid Mountain Trail, First Time lot, King Road, Willow Draw, Jupiter Peak, and Pinecone Ridge.

Due to the ongoing investigation, authorities have not released further details about the incident or potential suspects.

Jolley emphasized the importance of safety during hunting season, advising, “We recommend that people wear orange or other fluorescent colors when hiking or mountain biking in areas where active hunts are taking place during the fall.”

The case highlights the complexities between hunting regulations, private property rights, and public recreation areas in the region. As the investigation continues, local outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines when enjoying the area’s trails and resorts.

At the beginning of September, Utah wildlife officials highlighted recent poaching incidents in Summit and Wasatch Counties as part of a broader crackdown on illegal hunting across the state.