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LANSING--The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is seeking information regarding the carcass of a bull elk found dead last month near the Pigeon River in Otsego County.
Sgt. Greg Drogowski, Gaylord, who is leading the investigation, said bird hunters found the young bull elk October 2 in the Pigeon River Country State Forest. The carcass of the animal was buried under a pile of brush. The animal had been dead for one to two days, according to Drogowski.
"The carcass of the elk was lacking its antlers, which had been chopped off, and animal^s hind quarters had been removed," Drogowski said. "This leads us to believe that whoever is responsible for the death of this animal hurriedly removed the parts they wanted, covered the carcass and fled the scene."
Elk are a game species in Michigan; however, licenses for the limited hunting seasons are awarded by lottery. The most recent hunt period for elk ended September 20. Currently, the DNR^s winter herd objective for elk is 800 to 900 animals. Michigan^s entire elk herd is found in an approximate 700-square-mile area in the northcentral Lower Peninsula.
A $1,500 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the death of this bull elk. Information can be provided to the DNR Gaylord Operations Service Center, at 517-732-3541, or the Report All Poaching hotline at 800-292-7800. Strict confidentiality will be maintained with any information received.
Uploaded: 11/6/2000
Uploaded: 11/6/2000