Elk NetworkElk Poacher Sought in Western Alberta

General , Poaching | October 27, 2023

Below is a Facebook post from Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement. For 2023, Fiocchi partnered with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation to increase the visibility of poaching incidents in an effort to reduce poaching.

Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services is looking for information regarding an abandoned bull elk in the Grande Prairie district.

On Sept. 22, 2023, fish and wildlife officers responded to a report of an abandoned bull elk that was dumped over an oilfield lease site embankment. The lease site is located on Range Road 83, which becomes the 83 Road, south of Highway 666 near Grovedale. The elk was found to be field dressed — which involves the removal of internal organs from hunted game — but none of the meat was harvested. The animal would have been edible for consumption.

Vehicle tire tracks found at the scene indicate the bull elk was transported using a trailer. The vehicle towing the trailer had off-road style tires. The same day, a vehicle of interest was reported sitting on the side of Highway 666, north of where the elk was abandoned. It is believed the animal may have been abandoned between Sept. 20 and 22.

Anyone with information in relation to the incident, or with information about the vehicle of interest, is asked to contact the Report A Poacher Hotline at 1-800-642-3800. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

(Photo credit: Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement)