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Illegal elk killings prompt investigation/arrest 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. For more information, contact Sgt. Greg Drogowski at 989-732-3541.
Source: MDNR
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