KNOTT COUNTY, Ky. — After two bull elk were found dead from poaching earlier this month, the reward for information on any suspects has grown. Officers and naturalists near the area where the elk were found last week claim that poaching is harmful to the species they're trying to protect and preserve for lawful hunting, but also to tourism that's increased in popularity since guided elk watching began in the early 2000s.
- Reward Increases for Elk Poachers
- Citizens can submit tips to 1-800-25-ALERT
- Naturalists claim poaching can hurt not only conservation efforts but also tourism in Eastern Kentucky
Jenny Wiley State Park Naturalist Trinity Shepherd is a local elk expert. He's been leading elk watching tours since 2002. He was disappointed, to say the least, to learn of the recent poachings of two bull elk.
"It's sad to us all, especially in the realm that we come from. We work hard here at the park to protect resources," says Shepherd.
The elk population was reintroduced and restocked in Kentucky in the nineties. Shepherd estimates there are now between 10,000 and 12,000 in the Bluegrass. Tourism at the park has taken off, as more people become interested in seeing the large animals. There is also a lawful method of hunting them in Kentucky, through a lottery.
"The monies that are generated because of the elk herd, especially from the non-hunting perspective, are often getting overlooked, but it is a precious resource that we are able to showcase," Shepherd adds.
The Department of Fish and Wildlife has gotten some tips as they investigate to track down who poached the pair of bulls, but there have been no arrests made so far. The elk were found on some private property after 8 p.m. on February 20, when neighbors say they heard the shots.
“One bull elk was deceased and a second one was injured that we had to euthanize, that had been shot also," explains Sgt. Eric Thomas.
Thomas helped to restock the animals in Kentucky, himself. He's also had the opportunity to legally hunt elk near his home.
"It's a selfish act in the whole illegal process of what they done," Thomas says of the poachers.
He's urging anyone who has information to contact officers over the tipline at 1-800-25-ALERT, or KSP in Hazard at (606) 435-6069. Additionally, anonymous tips can be made by texting keyword KFWLAW with your message to 847411 (tip411) or by using the KFWLaw app (iTunes App Store or Google Play Store).