Law enforcement
Posted Monday, 14 November 2011 00:00
SANPETE COUNTY — Conservation officers with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources are seeking information regarding the illegal killing and abandonment of two bull elk on the Central Mountains, Manti spike-bull hunting unit during the 2011 General Any Legal Weapon spike bull elk season. Neither bull qualified as a legal spike elk. Both incidents were reported by concerned citizens who located the carcasses while hunting in the area.
After conducting an investigation, Sgt. Matt Briggs and Lt. Scott White determined the first bull elk (a 2 x 2 antlered bull) was shot on opening morning of the hunt, October 8, 2011, on Bear Ridge, in the North Manti area. Evidence was collected and the carcass was able to be salvaged and donated. Conservation Officer Casey Mickelsen investigated the second bull elk, a 2x3 antlered bull. It was shot on the Manti Face Wildlife Management Area sometime during the first couple of days of the spike bull elk season. Evidence was collected, but the elk was not salvageable due to the advanced state of decomposition.
DWR officers are seeking additional information in each of these cases. Hunters or other persons who may have information about these illegally harvested bull elk are encouraged to contact the DWR through the Utah UTiP Hotline at 1-800-662-3337 or at any DWR regional office. Rewards for information which lead to prosecution of the parties who illegally killed these bull elk are offered. Also, requests for confidentiality are always honored.
Hunters should be mindful of regulations before making the decision to take an animal. However, if an illegal animal is taken, hunters are encouraged to contact a DWR conservation officer immediately by calling the UTiP Hotline at 800-662-3337.
Despite the decision to self-report, individuals are still responsible for their actions. Officers will respond to the scene, where they will determine the facts of the occurrence. In most instances, the resulting action will range from a warning to a misdemeanor citation. However, self-reporting will allow officers to avoid charging individuals with waste of protected wildlife or more serious violations.
