RANGELY, Colo. — Wildlife officials are looking for the person who killed an elk and then left the meat to waste near Rangely.
The trophy-quality bull elk carcass was found near Rio Blanco County Road 98 near Mellen Hill.
Investigators believe someone shot the bull between Oct. 2-4, during an early rifle hunting season, then left it to waste. A hunter scouting the area found it on Oct. 6 and immediately contacted Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Wildlife officials said legal hunters typically have to wait 20 years to draw a license in the area. They said it is possible a legal hunter shot the animal but did not locate it.
They want to remind hunters it is their responsibility to make a reasonable attempt to track and kill any animal they wound. Failing to do so is illegal.
The person responsible could face felony charges and the revocation of hunting and fishing privileges.
Anyone with information can contact District Wildlife Manager Nate Martinez at 970-878-6071.
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