Keith Lusher 01.12.26
The Missouri Department of Conservation is asking for the public’s help after an adult bull elk was illegally shot and left to waste at Peck Ranch Conservation Area in southern Missouri.
The elk was discovered the morning of Nov. 26 after visitors driving through the area reported the animal to conservation officials. Conservation agents responded immediately and began investigating the scene. According to MDC, the bull elk was lying in an open field roughly 40 yards off Trail 1 and had been shot in the left shoulder.
Evidence at the scene indicated the shooter drove a vehicle into the field toward the elk before circling back to the gravel trail and rapidly leaving the area. Tire tracks were clearly visible entering and exiting the field.
Conservation Agent Brad Hadley, who performed the necropsy, said the shot caused catastrophic injuries.
“The bullet shattered the elk’s left front shoulder and two ribs as it penetrated the ribcage and then ruptured the lower third of the elk’s heart,” Hadley said.
Investigators were able to narrow down the timeline of the shooting through photographs provided by the public. One individual photographed the elk grazing peacefully in the field at approximately 5:15 p.m. on Nov. 25. Another photographed the same elk lying dead in the field around 8:05 a.m. the following morning.
MDC officials emphasized that the incident was not a case of legal hunting gone wrong or a mistaken identity involving a deer.
“This was an intentional, brazen, and totally irresponsible act committed by someone with no respect for our wildlife or other people,” Hadley said. “We are committed to thoroughly investigating wildlife crimes so that those responsible can be held accountable. The wildlife and people we serve deserve nothing less.”
MDC Protection Chief Travis McLain said public involvement plays a critical role in solving wildlife crimes, noting that tips from the public often provide key evidence in investigations.
Missouri’s Operation Game Thief is offering a $15,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of the person or persons responsible for shooting the elk. Anyone with information is asked to call the Operation Game Thief hotline at 800-392-1111. Callers may remain anonymous.
“Poaching is stealing valued wildlife resources from all Missourians, and it must be stopped,” said OGT Board Chair Jim Kent. “We are offering this reward with the intent of finding those responsible and holding them accountable.”
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