Wyoming Game and Fish hunts poachers

LANDER —   Multiple poaching incidents have reportedly occurred in recent weeks, including two in Fremont County. One, above Dubois, involved an adult cow moose; another, near Lander, involved a calf elk. In both cases, the animals were reportedly left to waste where they fell.

"Poaching is a crime against every sportsperson and wildlife enthusiast in Wyoming," stated Lander Game Warden Rob Shipe.

The Game and Fish is seeking information regarding both cases. Information leading to an arrest and conviction could be eligible for a cash award of up to $5,000.

On October 4, someone ventured into Meyer Basin, off of Fossil Hill. At some point – likely between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on October 4 – they seem to have drawn a gun and taken a shot. The calf elk was found with a bullet put through its head. Later that same day, a member of the public came across its carcass and reported it.

In mid-October, off of Union Pass Road, a cow moose took her last breath. As part of a multiyear regional research initiative, she wore a GPS tracking collar, so researchers and wildlife managers can pinpoint a likely date of death: October 17. However, it's possible she was wounded as much as two days before she died.

"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," Jackson Wildlife Biologist Aly 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."

Also in mid-October, another poaching incident reportedly took place just south of Medicine Lodge Archaeological Site near Hyattville. Two dead bull elk were discovered within 200 yards of each other on October 15, and another was reportedly found the following day. Based on the state of decomposition, the Game and Fish has determined that they were likely killed in early October, before the start of hunting season. 

According to a Game and Fish press release, no meat, head, antlers, or ivory were taken, meaning the entire animal was left to waste.

"The areas where these animals were killed see regular hunting and recreational traffic this time of year," Shipe commented. "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."

Anyone with information regarding either incident is urged to call the state's Stop Poaching Hotline at 1-877-WGFD-TIP (1877-943-3847). Tips may also be submitted online at wgfd.wyo.gov, texted to TIP411 (847411) with the keyword WGFD, or reported directly to Dubois Game Warden Brian Baker at 307-438-0608, Lander Game Warden Robert Shipe at 307-332-2704, or the Lander Regional Office: 307-330-6345.

Reporters may 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.

This story was published on Oct. 24, 2026. 

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