Wyoming Game and Fish Department wardens are asking for the public’s help investigating two separate poaching incidents involving a cow moose near Dubois and a calf elk southwest of Lander. Both animals were shot and left to waste.
The incidents were detailed in an Oct. 21 department news release. Information leading to an arrest and conviction could qualify for a cash reward of up to $5,000.
Collared moose killed near Union Pass
An adult cow moose was found shot and left to waste off Union Pass Road outside Dubois. The animal wore a GPS tracking collar placed on her in the Gros Ventre drainage in February 2025 as part of a multiyear research initiative involving Jackson Wildlife Biologist Aly Courtemanch and the University of Wyoming.
Tracking data indicate the moose likely died around 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17. Her movements suggest she could have been wounded as early as Oct. 15.
Courtemanch said the killing also affects the Jackson Moose Herd, which has struggled for decades. Losing a prime-age cow removes both that animal and the future calves she could have contributed to the herd.
Calf elk killed southwest of Lander
The second investigation involves 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 Sunday, Oct. 4. Investigators determined the calf had been shot in the head between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. that day and left to waste.
Lander Game Warden Rob Shipe said both locations receive regular hunting and recreational traffic during this season, raising the possibility that someone witnessed activity that could help investigators.
Wardens are seeking reports of suspicious vehicles, unusual activity or other observations connected to either incident. Even information that appears minor could help establish what happened.
How to report information
Anyone with information can contact Game and Fish through:
- Stop Poaching Hotline: 1-877-943-3847, or 1-877-WGFD-TIP.
- Text: Send a tip to 847-411, or TIP411, using the keyword WGFD.
- Online: Submit information through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website.
- Dubois Game Warden Brian Baker: 307-438-0608.
- Lander Game Warden Robert Shipe: 307-330-6345.
- Lander Regional Office: 307-332-2688.
People providing tips may remain anonymous. Information leading to an arrest and conviction is eligible for a reward of up to $5,000 through the Wyoming Wildlife Peace Officer Association.
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