Reward Increased To Find Who Shot Four Bull Elk

Colorado Parks and Wildlife announced on November 19, 2025 that it and Operation Game Thief had doubled the cash reward to four thousand dollars for information leading to a citation or arrest in the case of four bull elk that were illegally taken and abandoned on separate ranches in Las Animas County. The agency said the animals were shot on September 13, 26 and 27 near Stonewall and Picketwire, and that the carcasses showed varying degrees of meat removed or were left to rot.

The initial alert was republished locally to encourage tips from residents who may have observed suspicious activity during the September dates or who have knowledge of unlawful hunting in the area. Operation Game Thief accepts anonymous reports of wildlife crimes, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife is asking anyone with relevant information to come forward.

The illegal killing and abandonment of big game affects more than wildlife populations. Ranchers where the animals were found have had to deal with carcasses on private property, which can create logistical and biosecurity challenges and draws attention to the impacts of wildlife crime on agricultural communities. The presence of rotting carcasses can attract scavengers and predators, with potential consequences for livestock and local ecological balance.

For Las Animas County residents the case raises questions about hunting ethics and enforcement in rural areas that share habitat with elk. Wildlife officers investigate such incidents because illegal takes can undermine regulated hunting seasons, disrupt herd structures, and erode public trust in conservation systems that rely on compliance and community cooperation.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife did not announce any arrests or citations as of the November 19 release. The increased reward is intended to spur information that could lead investigators to those responsible, especially since several weeks passed between the shootings and the public notice. Operation Game Thief allows for anonymous submissions so that community members can provide tips without revealing their identity.

Local officials and conservation partners will be monitoring the investigation and the surrounding public reaction. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant, report suspicious activity through official channels, and to document any unusual observations with dates and locations if possible. The agency statement underscores that information from the community can be crucial to resolving wildlife crimes and holding accountable those who violate state wildlife laws.

This incident serves as a reminder of the interconnected nature of rural public safety, wildlife management, and agricultural livelihoods in Las Animas County. The community response and any forthcoming enforcement actions will determine whether the reward leads to arrests or citations and how similar incidents might be prevented in the future.