Public's help sought in illegal killing of 5 deer

Colorado wildlife officers are seeking the public's help in identifying poachers who illegally killed five deer in recent days.

The latest incident occurred Monday near Westcliffe, where a deer was field dressed a few feet off County Road 241 on the DeWeese State Wildlife Area. Colorado Parks and Wildlife officer Justin Krall found the site after fishermen at DeWeese Reservoir reported hearing gunshots at about 11 a.m.

Wildlife officers also seek information about four deer found dumped in a field near Akron in northeast Colorado. The carcasses were dumped about 1.5 miles south of Highway 34 on Washington County Road U.

At least two of the carcasses had trophy parts removed but meat on the carcasses was left to waste. It is a crime in Colorado to harvest a big game animal and not prepare the meat for human consumption.

Wildlife officers believe the carcasses were dumped between Nov. 10 and 17. Evidence suggests the animals were shot with a rifle. The last plains rifle deer season ended Nov. 6. The carcasses were skinned and may have been hung for processing at another location, officers said.

"Any information can be helpful, even if it seems insignificant or trivial," said Devon Lane, District Wildlife Manager for the Akron area.

A $500 reward is offered for information that leads to a suspect in either incident.

Anyone with information about poaching near Westcliffe can call wildlife officer Krall at (719) 371-2240. If you have a tip about the poaching near Akron, call the Parks and Wildlife Office in Brush at (970) 842-6300.

Wildlife officials urge people to report illegal hunting or fishing activities. Callers may remain anonymous. All tips about possible poaching can be reported to Operation Game Thief at (877) 265-6648 or game.thief@state.co.us. Verizon cell phone users can dial #OGT.