The Division of Wildlife is seeking information about two deer illegally killed near Wellsville on May 30, 2003. Anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity, or has information about the case, is asked to contact Officer Kim Woodruff at (719) 207-0638. Or they can call or e-mail Operation Game Thief at 1-800-332-4155.

Whoever shot the animals faces possible charges that include the unlawful taking of big game, hunting out of season, waste of wildlife meat and willful destruction of wildlife. The first three charges carry fines that could total up to $1,900 per animal. The “willful destruction” charge is a class-five felony that carries a maximum fine of $100,000 plus up to three years imprisonment and a permanent loss of hunting and fishing privileges.

According to Woodruff, the deer were shot and left to rot. She hopes that a passing motorist who may have witnessed the shooting will come forward.  “Anyone who provides information that leads to a citation is eligible for a cash reward from the DOW’s Operation Game Thief fund,” said Woodruff.
 

A $500 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for killing two elk within Great Sand Dunes National Monument. The elk were apparently killed sometime late on Friday, November 8th or early Saturday the 9th. One of the elk, a cow, was shot and left to die while the other was field dressed, drug down a wash, and loaded into a waiting vehicle. The first animal was wasted and simply left for scavengers.  

Additional rewards of up to $1,000 from Crime Stoppers and $250 from Operation Game Thief may also be awarded. Anyone with information about the poaching incident is requested to call Chief Ranger Jim Bowman at (719) 378-2312 extension 207, Crime Stoppers at (719) 589-4111, Operation Game Thief at 1-800-332-4155 (Callers may remain anonymous) or e-mail us at game.thief@state.co.us.