Reward Offered in Arizona Elk Poaching

September 26, 2008

The Humane Society of the United States and The HSUS Wildlife Land Trust are offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for illegally killing an elk near Williams, Ariz. in early September.

The Case:

According to published media reports, a poacher shot a large bull elk with archery equipment near Scholz Lake along Forest Road 141 sometime during the weekend of Sept. 6. An investigation revealed that the elk had also been shot several times in the head with a handgun. Arizona Game and Fish officials believe that someone may have come across the wounded elk and put the animal down by shooting him.  

Law enforcement is asking for help from the public to track down the person or people who illegally shot the elk with archery equipment. They will not pursue charges against the person who subsequently shot the animal with a gun.

"This brutal case showcases the callous nature of poachers and their often flippant participation in a serious crime. Here the elk might have suffered for hours or even days before dying," said Andrew Page, director of the wildlife abuse campaign for The HSUS. "The Humane Society of the United States applauds the Arizona Game and Fish Department for strongly enforcing anti-poaching laws."

Poaching:

Every year, thousands of poachers are arrested nationwide; however, it is estimated that only 1 to 5 percent of poachers are caught. Poachers kill wildlife anytime, anywhere and sometimes do so in particularly cruel manners.

The Investigators:

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Operation Game Thief hotline toll-free at (800) 352-0700. All calls may remain confidential.

The HSUS works to stop wildlife abuse across the country. Visit humanesociety.org/wildlifeabuse for more information.

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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the web at humanesociety.org.

Since its founding in 1993, the Wildlife Land Trust has worked with private landowners to create 99 permanent wildlife sanctuaries where recreational and commercial hunting and trapping will always be prohibited. In addition, the Wildlife Land Trust works in collaboration with a variety of partners to protect many other vulnerable lands to benefit wildlife. Proud of its affiliation with The Humane Society of the United States, the Wildlife Land Trust joins in campaigns to protect wildlife from cruel and indefensible practices such as poaching, steel-jawed leghold traps, Internet hunting and canned shoots.