Conservation Officers call for help on locating poachers

Conservation Officers are seeking public assistance in locating poachers that shot a 5x5 bull elk unlawfully near Fernie between Oct. 5 and 6.

Conservation Officer Patricia Burley said that the bull elk had been shot between Oct. 5, and before 5pm on Oct. 6 in the Cokato area near the sewerage plant.

“The 5x5 elk was found shot and dead along the Elk River in that location,” said Burley.

She said that some hunters had reported the elk to Conservation Officers.

The bull elk had suffered a gunshot wound that was a lethal shot, and the animal was not harvested.

“It was a clear 5x5 bull elk, which makes it unlawful and out of season,” said Burley, who said that as the animal was also not harvested and not self-reported.

“A number of wildlife act violations have occurred.”

“We would like those hunters to come forward, or any members of the public that saw hunters in the area at that time, or heard gunshots, or any suspicious activity that they might have seen to let us know.

“We want people to come forward because sometimes people do make mistakes ad they are to self-report to the Report all Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) phone number which is 1-877-952-7277.”

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