The Department of Natural Resources Bureau of Law Enforcement is investigating two illegal elk shootings in Monroe and Jackson counties that occurred during the nine-day gun deer season.
An adult bull elk was shot and killed after it was misidentified by a man who was deer hunting near Warrens on Nov. 17, the DNR said in a news release. The man who shot the elk self-reported the incident after realizing he misidentified the elk for a deer.
The elk was seized and confiscated and all the meat will be salvaged and donated to the Jackson County Food Pantry.
The second elk, an adult cow, was shot in the Jackson County Forest on Nov. 19. The DNR is looking for information to help identify a suspect in that case. Anyone with information about the case can call the confidential tip line at 1-800-847-9367.
“Hunters need to make sure they are always following the four rules of firearm safety. This ensures the safety of other people, but it is also necessary to avoid the accidental shooting of non-target animals. In addition, hunters that are within or near the Black River and Clam Elk ranges need to be aware that they may encounter an elk,” Conservation Warden Lieutenant Robin Barnhardt said in the release.
Hunters can find a map of the two established elk ranges in Wisconsin by using keyword search “Elk” at dnr.wi.gov. Elk can occasionally be found outside of the designated elk ranges so it is important that hunters in areas adjacent to the elk ranges also be on the lookout for elk and properly identify their target.
Law enforcement questions should be directed to Lt. Warden Robin Barnhardt, DNR West Central Region, 715-299-0564 or [email protected].
