LANDER — Wyoming Game and Fish Department game wardens are seeking information from the public regarding two separate big game poaching incidents discovered this month in Fremont County.
The first incident involves an adult cow moose shot and left to waste off Union Pass Road outside Dubois. The cow moose was fitted with a GPS tracking collar in the Gros Ventre drainage in February 2025 as part of a multi-year regional research initiative led by Jackson Wildlife Biologist Aly Courtemanch and University of Wyoming.
The collar data show that she likely died at about 2 pm, Saturday, Oct. 17, and based on her movements could have been wounded as early as Oct 15.
"The loss of this animal represents not only an illegal waste of Wyoming’s wildlife, but also a needless impact to the Jackson Moose Herd, which has been struggling for decades," Courtemanch said. "The loss of a prime-age cow moose isn’t just the loss of one individual but all of the future calves she would have contributed to the herd as well."
The second incident involves a calf elk illegally shot and left to waste in the Crooked Creek and Meyer Basin area off Fossil Hill, southwest of Lander. A member of the public reported the carcass on Sunday, Oct. 4. An initial investigation confirmed the calf was shot in the head between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. that same day.
"Poaching is a crime against every sportsperson and wildlife enthusiast in Wyoming," said Lander Game Warden Rob Shipe. "The areas where these animals were killed see regular hunting and recreational traffic this time of year. It is possible that someone nearby may have seen something that will help us solve this crime. We rely heavily on sportsmen and local residents to report suspicious vehicles, unusual activity, or gunfire heard outside typical legal hours."
Anyone with information regarding either incident is urged to call the state’s Stop Poaching Hotline at 1-877-WGFD-TIP (1-877-943-3847). Tips may also be submitted online at wgfd.wyo.gov, texted to TIP411 (847-411) with the keyword WGFD, or reported directly to Dubois Game Warden Brian Baker at (307) 438-0608, Lander Game Warden Robert Shipe at (307) 330-6345, or the Lander Regional Office: (307) 332-2688.
Reporters can remain anonymous and are eligible for a cash reward of up to $5,000 through the Wyoming Wildlife Peace Officer Association for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
