Reward offered as Wisconsin DNR seeks information on illegal shooting of important bull elk

BLACK RIVER FALLS, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) still needs the public’s help to gather information on the illegal killing of a bull elk in Jackson County.

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is offering a $5,000 reward, and the Wisconsin Buck and Bear Club is offering a $500 reward for information that leads to the successful prosecution of this incident.

To claim the reward, tips must be submitted to Jackson County Crime Stoppers by going to the Jackson County Crime Stoppers webpage, P3tips.com or by calling 1-800-228-3203 ext. 199. Individuals can remain anonymous.

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Details on illegal elk shooting

DNR staff received and responded to a report of a dead elk on the morning of Tuesday, March 18. The elk was located off East Snow Creek Road and on private property north of Black River Falls, where department staff were conducting elk capture efforts to radio-collar and relocate a small group of elk.

Following a necropsy to investigate the cause of the mortality, it was determined that the bull died from injuries sustained from a gunshot wound.

The bull, known as #244, was wearing a GPS radio collar, which, along with nearby cellular trail cameras, has provided investigators with detailed information related to the illegal shooting. 

This bull was one of the last remaining elk originally brought from Kentucky in 2016 and has served as one of the primary breeding bulls for the Central Elk Herd.

The DNR asks the public to share any information – no matter how small it may seem – with the DNR’s confidential Violation Hotline online or by calling 1-800-847-9367. 

No other information is available currently as the investigation continues.