Poacher convicted for illegal elk hunting in Wyoming

CODY (WNE) — In a significant victory against wildlife poaching, Kevin Ackerlund from Cody, Wyoming, was convicted on July 17 for illegally hunting and killing two bull elk in Park County, Wyoming.

Ackerlund, 45, was found guilty of multiple offenses related to illegal elk hunting.

The case came to light on November 25, 2023, when Andy Johnson from Trail Creek Ranch reported suspicious hunting activities to G&F Warden Travis Crane. Ackerlund had been hunting in elk area 54 but was found to have killed a bull elk in the neighboring area 53 without the proper license.

The G&F investigation revealed that Ackerlund had shot a bull elk on November 18, 2023, in the Pat O’Hara Basin (elk area 54) and left it due to its poor condition. He then killed another bull elk on November 24, 2023, in elk area 53. Professional guides Jordan Martoglio and Jake Skeen confirmed the illegal activities, leading to a detailed investigation by Warden Crane.

Crane’s investigation included reviewing Ackerlund’s vehicle records and his cell phone.

A search warrant executed on December 5, 2023, at Ackerlund’s residence uncovered the elk’s head, antlers, a rifle, an elk cape, and blood swabs from his pickup truck. Forensic analysis confirmed the elk samples matched those found at the crime scenes.

Coded text messages regarding the kills, along with photographs of dead bull elk, were crucial in establishing Ackerlund’s illegal activities. The photos, which had been deleted but recovered from the phone’s trash folder, depicted the elk he had killed.

Ackerlund was charged with three misdemeanors: entering private property without permission, wanton destruction of a big game animal and taking a bull elk without a license. He was sentenced to pay $6,220 in fines and restitution. Additionally, his hunting privileges were suspended for three years.

This story was published on July 29, 2024.