Information is being sought into the shooting and wasting of a bull and cow elk near Haslam Lake on the Giavanno Main industrial road northeast of Powell River.
According to a media release, on October 7, conservation officer Leyland Klassen received a report of two dead elk that were left to rot. Subsequent attendance and investigation by the Conservation Officer Service revealed that both elk had been shot sometime between October 6 and 7, based on the amount of decomposition that was witnessed on the downed animals, the release stated.
Both animals died in a ditch within a metre of the road and no effort was made to remove any of the meat from the bull elk, and only three quarters were removed from the cow elk, according to Klassen. He stated that based on the proximity to the road, the animals could not have been missed.
The release stated that this area is frequented by hunters and other recreational users on a regular basis. It is very likely someone was out in that area and may have noticed something unusual or may have had a trail camera up that could have captured something, the release stated. Any information can be significant.
The public is asked to forward any information about this or any other poaching activity on the Report All Poachers and Polluters line at 1.877.952.7277. BC Wildlife Federation offers up to a $2,000 cash reward for information leading to the conviction of persons who have violated laws protecting fish, wildlife or environmental resources, the release stated. Persons providing information can remain anonymous and still be eligible for the reward, according to the release.
For hunting wildlife in a closed season and wasting edible meat, the fine for those convicted can be up to $10,000, the release stated.
The loss of two elk in this manner is a significant and disappointing event in the area, according to Klassen.
