DWR investigates trophy-sized bull elk shot, left to waste in northern Utah

A trophy-size bull elk found illegally left to waste in Morgan County on Oct. 9.

A trophy-size bull elk found illegally left to waste in Morgan County on Oct. 9. (Utah Division of Wildlife Resources)


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SALT LAKE CITY — Utah wildlife conservation officers said Friday they are investigating an incident from earlier this month when a trophy-sized bull elk was killed and left to waste in northern Utah.

The elk was shot and killed on private land near Mormon Flat in Morgan County on Oct. 9, according to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. The agency said the elk's antler measured at "6×6," which they said qualifies it to be a trophy animal.

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation states most mature bull elk have antlers that size antlers. An elk with at least 6 points on either side qualifies as a trophy animal in Utah, according to the Division of Wildlife Resources.

Per Utah law, a trophy animal illegally killed or illegally left to waste can bump a poaching case from a misdemeanor offense to a third-degree felony. The minimum restitution fine also jumps from $750 per non-trophy elk to $8,000 per trophy elk.

Conservation officers haven't identified any suspects in the case, wildlife conservation officer Brandon Olson said. He added officers did receive information about two people who "may have been in the area at the time of the incident and may have valuable information pertinent to the case."

The agency released a photo of the two people Friday. They asked for the individuals or anyone who knows the individuals to contact the Division of Wildlife Resources to help in their investigation.

Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to call 800-662-3337 or text 847411. Tips can also be submitted through the UTDWR Law Enforcement app and through the division's website.

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Carter Williams is an award-winning reporter who covers general news, outdoors, history and sports for KSL.com.

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