Up to $1,750 in rewards available

KINGMAN, Arizona – Arizona Game and Fish is seeking information regarding the poaching of a bull elk on the Westwood Ranches (Diamond 7 Ranch).

The elk was shot on Saturday morning (Oct. 18) in Game Management Unit 10 off Ranch Road and Elk Horn Trail. The location is east of Seligman off Highway 66. The animal was left to waste. The bull elk was killed during the cow elk season and it is a violation of law to waste game meat.

Officers with Game and Fish need the public's help and Operation Game Thief (OGT) is offering up to a $750 reward for information leading to an arrest of those responsible for the crime. The Arizona Elk Society is offering up to $1,000 upon conviction.

“Evidence was collected at the scene, but help from the public will play a critical role in finding those responsible,” said Zen Mocarski, public information officer for the Game and Fish Region 3 office in Kingman.

If found, those responsible may face criminal charges and following adjudication, also face a potential civil assessment by the Game and Fish Commission and possible license revocation.

“This is not the act of a hunter,” Mocarski stated. “Poaching is a crime. It is important for anyone with information to come forward and help Game and Fish bring those responsible to justice.”

Anyone with information regarding this case, or any wildlife violation, should call the OGT hotline at (800) 352-0700. Web submissions can be reported via the Internet by going to http://www.azgfd.gov/thief. Identities will remain confidential. Anyone calling should reference case number 14-003193.   back...