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Colorado Doubles Reward to $4,000 in Las Animas Elk Poaching Probe

Officials urge anonymous tips through Operation Game Thief, offering hunting incentives for testimony.

Overview

  • Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Operation Game Thief are offering $4,000 for information that leads to a citation or arrest.
  • The case involves four bull elk illegally shot on Sept. 13, 26, and 27 on separate ranches near the Stonewall and Picketwire communities.
  • Investigators found the elk in wasteful conditions, including one abandoned whole, one fatally wounded, one with only backstraps taken, and one decapitated with no meat removed.
  • Officers say the incidents may be connected based on timing and locations, and no suspect information has been released.
  • Tips can be submitted anonymously at 1-877-265-6648 or game.thief@state.co.us, and qualifying testimony may earn a preference point or a hunting license under Colorado’s incentive program.