Game wardens in Montana and New Mexico need your help finding those responsible for elk poaching in their respective states.
In Montana, authorities are investigating the shooting of a cow elk and the removal of its backstraps along the Clark Fork River near Garrison in the west-central part of the state. Call 1-800-TIP-MONT (1-800-847-6668) if you have any information.
In northeast New Mexico, authorities are seeking information about a bull elk found about four miles north of Logan. The head, antlers and meat were all taken. If you have any information, call 1-800-432-4263.
Also in New Mexico, a judge ordered Michael C. Agguire of Silver City to pay $4,000 for illegal possession of a set of trophy elk antlers. The case dates back to a November 2015 traffic stop near Cliff where game wardens found the 6×5 antlers in his trunk.
“Shed antlers may be picked up year-round without a permit or license, but when we see antlers with the skull still attached in the back of a truck when there are no hunts for that species going on, we get suspicious,” said Conservation Officer Jordan Duncan of the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.
(Photo source: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks/New Mexico Game & Fish)