Another elk poached, this time northwest of Williams

WILLIAMS, Ariz. — The Arizona Game and Fish Department is investigating the poaching of a bull elk, which occurred the morning of Dec. 17.

The elk was shot and left to waste in Game Management Unit 10 along U.S. Forest Service Road 6, south of Martin Draw northwest of Williams. There was not a lawful bull elk season going on at the time and the elk was shot with a large caliber rifle behind the shoulder.

Investigating officers are seeking information about two individuals last seen wearing orange hats who may have left the scene in a low-profile Nissan Titan pickup truck accented with chrome.

“This crime isn’t the act of an ethical, responsible hunter — it is the action of a criminal,” said Game and Fish Wildlife Officer Noah Silva. “Poaching is a crime. These people are stealing wildlife from the citizens of Arizona and we need those who have information to come forward to help bring these criminals to justice.”

Anyone with information about the case can call the Department’s Operation Game Thief Hotline toll-free at (800) 352-0700 or use the online form at www.azgfd.gov/ogt. Callers should provide case number 17-004934 and may remain anonymous upon request, and all identities will be kept confidential.

A reward of up to $1,500 is being offered in this case for information leading to the arrest of the violator(s).

More information about Operation Game Thief can be found at www.azgfd.gov/ogt.