Illegal elk killings prompt investigation/arrest

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The Michigan Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division is seeking information regarding the illegal killing of a mature elk. The incident occurred around Sept. 20, 2003, in Montmorency County, when a 600-pound bull elk was shot and killed with a 12-gauge shotgun. When discovered, the elk was intact except for its antlers, which had been removed. "The remains of the animal were found in a fairly remote location, on public land off Crall Road, north of Growler Club Road in Vienna Township," said Sgt. Greg Drogowski, Gaylord Operations Service Center.

He added that a reward is available for information that will lead to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for killing the elk. Any information pertaining to this or any investigation can be provided to the DNR's Report-All-Poaching (RAP) Hotline, 800-292-7800.

Recently, a Wayne County resident was found guilty of killing another large bull elk. That incident, which occurred in November 2002, also took place in Montmorency County. Jason Kirk of Romulus pleaded guilty to the illegal killing of the elk and was sentenced last month in 88th District Court. Kirk was ordered to pay $1,655 in fines and court costs, plus $1,500 restitution for the loss of the animal. Kirk also was placed under a 30-day house arrest and will not be allowed to purchase any hunting license until 2006. Conservation Officer Kelley Ross led the investigation on behalf of the DNR.

"This animal's antlers, meat and the firearm used to shoot the animal were seized in Wayne County, and the elk carcass, which had been buried underneath a camper-trailer, was recovered by officers in Montmorency County," Drogowski said. He added this elk was the 13th largest elk ever taken in Michigan.

"At this time of the year, with so many hunters afield, it is especially important that if anyone sees something that appears suspicious in nature, or learns of information that may not have been made available to us previously, that they would please let us know," Drogowski said.

The RAP Hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and information can be provided anonymously. Find out how to report a violation.

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Source: Michigan Department of Natural Resources