Division of Wildlife Searching for Elk Poacher Near Book Cliffs

Officers from the Division of Wildlife Resources are asking for information as to the identity of those responsible for the illegal killing of a trophy bull elk in the Big Pack Mountain area along Willow Creek.

According to West Vernal District conservation officer Bryan Clyde, a gut pile was found near the elk carcass, indicating a second animal had been killed and dressed nearby. The trophy elk, however, was left to waste.

Whoever shot this was well aware that it was down. It may have just simply been that they didn't have room for the second one or maybe it was getting too late in the day. Maybe they shot into a group and hit two of them. Either way, this animal was poached and left to waste completely." - Bryan Clyde

According to KSL.com, Clyde added, "This was a limited-entry area. The Book Cliffs unit is very sought after. People wait 15 plus years generally to draw those units." He continues, "Poaching a trophy elk - an elk that has six or more points on each side - results in a minimum of $8,000 in restitution.

If you have any information as to the person or persons responsible, call the UTIP hotline at 1-800-662-3337. You can also relay information via email at toturninapoacher@utah.gov.