Utah DWR Seeks Public Help In Solving Wildlife Waste Cases

Utah's Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) conservation officers are urgently seeking information on two troubling cases of wildlife waste in Emery County. The first involves a cow elk, discovered discarded near Huntington, with only the backstraps taken and the rest of the meat left to rot. Although a cow elk hunt was ongoing until January 31, the waste of its meat is illegal. In the second incident, 18 Canada geese were found dumped across Lawrence and Huntington, some with their breast feathers plucked and their bodies abandoned. It's believed these geese were harvested during the waterfowl hunting season but then illegally left to waste.

Wasting protected wildlife is a serious offense, classified as a class B misdemeanor. Anyone with knowledge of these incidents or other wildlife-related crimes in Utah is urged to report them promptly to DWR conservation officers through various channels, including the UTiP Hotline which is 800-662-3337. You can also use the UTDWR Law Enforcement app, texting at 847411, or online submissions at wildlife.Utah.gov. Direct contact with Officer Aidan Hueton is also an option, with potential rewards offered for information leading to successful prosecutions while ensuring confidentiality. Hueton's phone number is 435 650 1113.

These incidents underscore the ongoing efforts of Utah's conservation officers to combat wildlife crime. In 2023 alone, officers confirmed over 1,000 instances of illegal killings of wild animals and fish, amounting to a value exceeding $619,000. Such actions not only endanger wildlife populations but also compromise the integrity of Utah's natural habitats. By working together with the community, DWR aims to uphold conservation efforts and ensure the protection of Utah's diverse wildlife for future generations.