FWP Investigates Saco-Area Poaching

Ron Selden

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The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks is seeking information about the blatant and illegal shooting of a bull elk southeast of Saco the weekend of Nov. 8-9. Malta Warden Dirk Paulsen said the elk was shot on private property from the Beaver Creek Road a couple of miles south of Beaverton, which is just east of Saco.

“The elk was shot many times with a small-caliber rifle, causing it to suffer greatly,” Paulsen said. “The poachers then illegally entered the private land and sawed off the antlers. All of the meat was left to rot.”

Paulsen said the bull had been seen in the vicinity earlier this fall by biologists and others. The animal may have been the herd bull for other elk frequenting the area.

Poachers, Paulsen said, steal from everyone. Illegal behavior also can impact the way landowners and others view legitimate hunters. And that, in turn, can impact public access for all types of outdoor recreation.

“This was a blatantly unethical act from someone who showed total disregard for Montana’s wildlife resources and total disrespect for the majority of people who follow the law,” Paulsen said. “We need to find out who did this so they can face the consequences of their crimes.”

  Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Paulsen directly at    406-263-0620. Citizens, who can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward, can contact their local law enforcement agency or call the toll-free, statewide hotline at 1-800-TIP MONT.