Reward Doubled to $4,000 as Colorado Investigators Seek Tips in Las Animas County Elk Poaching Case

Description: Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Operation Game Thief have doubled the reward to $4,000 after four bull elk were illegally poached in Las Animas County. Officials urge the public to report tips anonymously to help identify those responsible. Photo Courtesy of Colorado Parks and Wildlife (Edited to Reduce Gore)...

Reward Doubles, Investigation Continues After Multiple Elk Poached in Las Animas County

Nov 19, 2025

Reward doubles, investigation continues  after multiple elk poached in Las Animas County 

LAS ANIMAS COUNTY, Colo - Colorado Parks and Wildlife, in partnership with Operation Game Thief, now offers a $4,000 cash award as efforts continue to seek the public’s help to identify those responsible for illegally poaching and abandoning carcasses of four large bull elk on four separate ranches in Las Animas County. The elk were illegally shot Sept. 13, 26 and 27 near the communities of Stonewall and Picketwire.

Of the four bull elk illegally poached, one was shot and abandoned whole; one was wounded and had to be put down; another was shot with only the backstraps removed; the fourth had its head removed with no meat taken up. 

The reward is being offered for tips that lead to a citation or an arrest. Anyone willing to testify about information they provided leading to the filing of charges would also be eligible for a preference point or hunting license.

“These were senseless and disgraceful acts not only to the sportspersons community, but they also took valuable resources away from every Coloradoan demonstrating a complete disregard for Colorado wildlife,” said Jim Hawkins, CPW Assistant Chief of Law Enforcement and Operation Game Thief coordinator. 

“We are using every investigation technique available to us to find out who is responsible,” said Hawkins. ”We invite anyone who may have information about these crimes to step forward; the public is welcome to do so with full anonymity”

Information may be provided anonymously through Operation Game Thief at 1-877-265-6648 or by email to game.thief@state.co.us.  

Poaching is a serious, costly crime which harms legitimate sportspersons, wildlife viewers, small business owners and taxpayers. If convicted, a person charged with poaching violations could face heavy fines and suspension of hunting and fishing licenses.

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