Utah poaching investigation leads to charges in Colorado for four guides

Photo evidence of poaching (faces have been erased for privacy) Photo: Utah Department of Natural Resources

PARK CITY, Utah — A poaching investigation that began in Utah has led to felony and misdemeanor charges in Colorado for four Utah residents, including licensed hunting guides accused of illegally killing wildlife and wasting the meat.

Investigators with the Utah Department of Natural Resources Division of Law Enforcement launched the case in 2024 after uncovering evidence tied to illegally killed wildlife across state lines. During the investigation, officers discovered an elk and a bear that had been unlawfully harvested in Colorado.

Evidence gathered in Utah was turned over to officers with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, who filed charges in their state.

According to investigators, the suspects are facing felony charges for wildlife destruction, along with multiple misdemeanors including hunting without a license, illegal possession of wildlife, and wasting game.

Officials say the individuals allegedly harvested animals without first purchasing licenses, discarded the meat, and in some cases attempted to buy licenses after killing the animals.

The suspects have already incurred significant legal fees and fines. Authorities say they are also in the process of losing their guide licenses and hunting privileges, which could result in bans across multiple states through interstate wildlife violation agreements.

Wildlife officials say poaching harms conservation efforts and reduces opportunities for legal hunters.

“Poaching is theft that robs every sportsman of opportunities,” investigators said in a statement.

Anyone with information about wildlife crimes is encouraged to report it to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Division of Law Enforcement through the UTiP hotline at 800-662-3337, by texting 847411, or through the agency’s law enforcement app.