Wyoming Game and Fish Department game wardens are urging the public to assist in two separate big‑game poaching investigations uncovered this month in Fremont County.
Cow moose found dead near Union Pass Road
The first case involves an adult cow moose discovered on Union Pass Road outside Dubois. The animal had been fitted with a GPS tracking collar in February 2025 as part of a multi‑year research project led by Jackson Wildlife biologist Aly Courtemanch of the University of Wyoming. Collar data indicate the moose likely died around 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17, and may have been wounded as early as Oct. 15.
“The loss of this animal represents not only an illegal waste of Wyoming’s wildlife, but also a needless impact to the Jackson Moose Herd, which has been struggling for decades,” Courtemanch said. “The loss of a prime‑age cow moose isn’t just the loss of one individual but all of the future calves she would have contributed to the herd as well.”
Calf elk shot near Fossil Hill
The second incident concerns a calf elk found in the Crooked Creek and Meyer Basin area off Fossil Hill, southwest of Lander. A member of the public reported the carcass on Sunday, Oct. 4. An initial investigation confirmed the elk was shot in the head between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. that same day.
“Poaching is a crime against every sportsperson and wildlife enthusiast in Wyoming,” Lander Game Warden Rob Shipe said. “The areas where these animals were killed see regular hunting and recreational traffic this time of year. It is possible that someone nearby may have seen something that will help us solve this crime. We rely heavily on sportsmen and local residents to report suspicious vehicles, unusual activity, or gunfire heard outside typical legal hours.”
How the public can help
Anyone with information about either incident is urged to call the state’s Stop Poaching Hotline at 1‑877‑WGFD‑TIP (1‑877‑943‑3847). Tips may also be submitted online, texted to TIP411 (847‑411) with the keyword WGFD, or reported directly to Dubois Game Warden Brian Baker at (307) 438‑0608, Lander Game Warden Robert Shipe at (307) 330‑6345, or the Lander Regional Office at (307) 332‑2688.
Game and Fish remind the public that reporters can remain anonymous and are eligible for a cash reward of up to $5,000 through the Wyoming Wildlife Peace Officer Association for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
These appeals underscore the department’s commitment to protecting Wyoming’s iconic wildlife and preserving the future of its herds. Community members who witness suspicious activity are encouraged to act quickly, helping ensure that illegal hunting does not undermine the state’s natural heritage.
Original reporting: Sheridan Media (Sheridan WY) — read the source article.
