Officials Seeking Information On Poaching Case

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is asking for information about three antelope and six deer carcasses that were only partially butchered and dumped along Telephone Road northwest of Cheyenne Feb. 1 or 2. Game Warden Kyle Lash said at a minimum the dumped carcasses are a violation of waste of big game meat and it is possible the animals – two does and one fawn antelope and six buck deer with their antlers removed (five mule deer and one whitetail) -- may have been shot out of season. The individuals responsible for dumping the carcasses could also be cited for littering. "None of the meat off the animals’ front shoulders was removed and about 30 percent of the meat from the hindquarters was left,” Lash said. “That’s a lot of wasted meat.”

The carcasses were found just east of the graveled surface on Telephone Road about three miles north of Horse Creek Road (Wyoming Highway 211). Edible portions should be removed from the carcass for human consumption and Game and Fish Commission regulations define edible portions as “the meat of the front quarters as far down as the knees.” The definition continues: “meat of the hindquarters as far down as the hocks, and the meat along the backbone between the neck and hindquarters including the loins and tenderloins, excluding meat on the ribs and neck.” Anyone knowing of hunters with multiple deer and antelope carcasses hanging in their garage or barn in December or of something specifically about this crime, even if it is second hand, is urged to contact Lash.

“If the violators come forward themselves the judge may take that into account when handing down the sentence,” Lash said. He adds callers may be eligible for a cash reward if the information leads to a conviction and you can remain anonymous. Report information to the Stop Poaching Hotline at (877) WGFD-TIP or to Lash during business hours at 777-4607. So even close acquaintances to the violator who are disturbed about the crime can call without being revealed,” he said.