Sorry to say... Another Poaching Thread

[Redneck Rocket]

After reading about the Elk in Squamish, I'm sorry to say poaching is not confined to that region. Here in the South Okanagan, unfortunately I received a couple of photos from a buddy of mine. Someone shot a 4x4 Elk, and left it to rot. Can't understand this, it wasn't even like they took the meat. Damage to the ribcage and blood pool near the mouth confirms that it was shot. I was in the area the day before and heard a ton of crows & ravens, and could have sworn I heard dogs.... explains a lot. Disappointing to see and I can only hope it was a mistake.

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd312/studickie15/Poaching1_zpsadc6a713.jpeg

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd312/studickie15/Poaching2_zps2957a41c.jpeg

[itsy bitsy xj]

That sucks!!!!!

[Redneck Rocket]

One of the saddest parts is, I know there is a 6x6 bull in this area that could be legally harvested. Also, found the remains of a 6x7 bull that appeared to die of natural causes so there are some mature animals in the area. This guy could have grown up to be a mature bull.

[Sleep Robber]

I'll just copy and paste my post from the Squamish thread,

"Every year, it never fails, some beautiful animal gets shot and left to rot by either a poacher or an idiot who doesn't give a damn, sad thing is, it's probably not the last of the season either, too many eff ups out there that illegally just shoot and kill for the sake of shooting and killing."

"Goddamn that was a nice elk.:sad:"

[Jelvis]

That's a big bull too, strong lookin animal, maybe wounded and ran off and couldn't be found by the shooter.
Animals can run a long way and die after being fatally wounded.
Looks like a high shot just under the spine and he could have run for miles and then layed down and died.

[j270wsm]

Looks like the damage to the ribs is down by the bottom of the rib cage - heart area.

[Sleep Robber]

Looks like a pretty open area and an easy find there Jelly, kinda doubt it myself but I guess ya never know I guess.

[Jelvis]

Same as the 6x7 you found and died and you were thinkin of natural causes.
That wood be hard to figure out on a big bull elk unless no holes. I'm guessin
What made you think natural causes?
jeljustcuriousnicefind

[Redneck Rocket]

The 6x7 could have been a kill that wasn't found too, but I couldn't see any bullet damage. I'm far from being an expert though.

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd312/studickie15/IMG_0542_zpsbd2bcd89.jpg

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd312/studickie15/IMG_0543_zps20793f0c.jpg

[Ourea]

Have seen bulls gored before.
Surprising how nasty they can get when things r hot.

Having said that, I know and understand that the area to which u speak of has a long history of "questionable yr round harvest".

Regardless, sad to see a bull lost in vain.

That heard will always struggle.

[Jelvis]

The 6x7 is really rotted out to hair and bone and skull and some vertabrae.
You'd need to be Sherlock Holmes to figure what happened to make him die.
Could have been a cougar kill in deep snow.
Any skeleton on the forest floor tells a storey in the imagination.
Jel .. thanks for the photos

[Stone Sheep Steve]

How can you tell the first one died from a bullet wound??

I've hear rumours that there are wolves in the OK.

SSS

[Redneck Rocket]

How can you tell the first one died from a bullet wound??

I've hear rumours that there are wolves in the OK.

SSS

There could well be wolves here. I haven't seen any, but I have seen a lot of Coyote sign, and the coyotes are pretty big here. That said, I'm not sure I could tell the difference between Coyote & Wolf scat.

I didn't see the first carcass. My friend who is a very experienced hunter sent me the pics. I asked the same question (for my own education) - how can you tell how it died? I suppose you never have 100% certainty, but he said first, there is damage to the ribcage consistent with a bullet wound, and second, there was a blood pool by the head/mouth, which is consistent with being shot in the vitals. I suppose it could have been gored, but that wouldn't explain the shattered ribs.

I'm far from being an expert, but I trust his opinion.

[Wrayzer]

How can you tell the first one died from a bullet wound??

I've hear rumours that there are wolves in the OK.

SSS

Prove it! :P

[1/2 slam]

How can you tell the first one died from a bullet wound??

I've hear rumours that there are wolves in the OK.

SSS

What I see is inconclusive. Could have been gored while fighting.

[ruger#1]

It could of also been hit by a vehical. Broken ribs and internal bleeding. They can travel a long ways. And then die.

[ruger#1]

Prove it! :P
Prove what? A rancher Friend of mine in the South Okanogan last year watched what he said was a coyote take down a two point mule deer in his Field. I would say that it was a wolf.

[Sofa King]

why is op assuming "poaching"?
it could have been a predator kill, sickness or injury, or shot by people who are allowed to shoot anything they see.

[Sofa King]

there's definitely wolves in the Okanagan.
it's not even a question.

[Redneck Rocket]

why is op assuming "poaching"?
it could have been a predator kill, sickness or injury, or shot by people who are allowed to shoot anything they see.

Fair enough. I'm not an expert. My friend was certain it had been shot. I suppose it is possible someone with that right shot it. I'm just going on his judgement.

[Wrayzer]

Prove what? A rancher Friend of mine in the South Okanogan last year watched what he said was a coyote take down a two point mule deer in his Field. I would say that it was a wolf.

I think you may have missed a thread by SSS a few weeks back...

[Stone Sheep Steve]

Prove it! :P

I'm having a wolf and cheese sammich right now. Want a bite??:-D

SSS

[NovemberBravo]

To the OP did your buddy call RAPP about it? They were very helpful when albravo found the dead elk in the Squamish Valley. They could also shed some light on if it was killed legally and got away from the hunter or if it was a poacher.

NB

[ruger#1]

I think you may have missed a thread by SSS a few weeks back...
No I seen his wolf. And it is a nice one. You were being a smart azz. I understand now.

[ItsGrouseTalk]

Off topic but to the person who said that coyotes take down deer, iv'e seen it myself. Last week outside 100 mile, mulie doe darts out through traffic on left side of road, crosses over in front of us with a coyote literally steps behind the thing. Doe slowed down a couple of times to kick at the 'yote, but in a matter of seconds, the doe was over the hill on the right side of the hill. Would have been interesting to see how that turned out.

[moonchild]

What do people get out of killing an animal and wasting it. So sad that a few idiots tarnish the image of this great sport. I would like to remind those who don't know that this is not a right to hunt, it's a priviledge.

[Redneck Rocket]

To the OP did your buddy call RAPP about it? They were very helpful when albravo found the dead elk in the Squamish Valley. They could also shed some light on if it was killed legally and got away from the hunter or if it was a poacher.

NB

Yes he did call them. Not sure what the outcome was from that end.