Authorities Hunt Elk Poaching Suspect in Colorado Preserve

Authorities at the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in southern Colorado are actively searching for a suspect involved in the poaching of an elk last month. The incident reportedly occurred on either September 9 or 10, 2023, in the Hudson drainage area, located north of the Medano Pass parking lot.

The National Park Service has described the suspect as a 6-foot tall white male with brown hair and a closely trimmed beard. He was seen wearing camouflage clothing, a baseball cap, and a backpack. Officials believe he may have been carrying a compound bow decorated with bright fletching, along with two elk antlers at the time of the incident.

Witnesses reported that the suspect was driving a dark-colored Ram pickup truck. This information has prompted park officials to urge the public for any assistance in tracking down the individual responsible for this act of poaching.

Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact investigators at the National Park Service by emailing [email protected] or calling 719-589-5807. Individuals can provide tips anonymously, ensuring that their identities remain confidential.

The poaching of elk and other wildlife not only poses a significant threat to conservation efforts but also undermines the integrity of national parks and preserves. Officials continue to emphasize the importance of protecting these natural resources for future generations.

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are committed to bringing the suspect to justice while raising awareness about the illegal hunting of wildlife in national parks.