11/16/2023 update:
Since this story was posted on 11/15/2023, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation committed an additional $2,500 toward a reward for information leading to the conviction of the person(s) responsible for this elk poaching.
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Below is a news release from the Missouri Department of Conservation. For 2023-2025, Fiocchi partnered with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation to increase the visibility of poaching incidents in an effort to reduce poaching.
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is asking the public for help in finding who illegally killed and left a bull elk near Klepzig Mill in Shannon County. A local deer hunter found and reported the animal’s location to MDC.
Shannon County Conservation Agent Brad Hadley found the adult bull elk shot and left near Klepzig Mill in Shannon County over the opening weekend of Missouri’s firearms deer season, Nov. 11 and 12. The entire animal was left in the field. The carcass was transported to MDC’s Central Regional Office and Conservation Research Center in Columbia for necropsy.
Missouri’s Operation Game Thief (OGT) is offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of the poacher(s) that shot the elk.
“Poaching is stealing valued wildlife resources from all Missourians, and must be stopped,” said OGT Board Chair Jim Kent. “We are offering this reward with the intent of finding those responsible and holding them accountable.”
Conservation agents are asking that anyone with information related to this incident call the Operation Game Thief hotline at 800-392-1111. Callers may remain anonymous, and a $20,000 reward is available for information leading to a conviction.
“Local conservation agents and our MDC canine teams are thoroughly investigating this poaching incident,” said MDC Protection Branch Chief Randy Doman. “The significant OGT reward monies have been donated by the public and reflect how much Missourians care about conservation and the laws designed to protect our native wildlife.”
(Photo source: Missouri Department of Conservation)