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SEVERAL ANIMALS POACHED IN HUGO, CPW LOOKING FOR INFORMATION
HUGO, Colo. - Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office are seeking information in an ongoing investigation into the poaching of nearly a dozen animals, including pronghorn and cattle.
Since May eight pronghorn have been shot and killed North of Hugo, below County Road 2z. Recently three cows have also been shot on a ranch nearby. Two calves were killed and the third, a heifer, was wounded. The most recent shooting is suspected to have taken place Sept. 30.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is offering a $2,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person(s) responsible for killing the pronghorn. Officials believe the pronghorn and cattle shootings are related.
"We aren't sure what would motivate a person to do this, but it's a senseless act and theft of wildlife and personal property," said Warren Cummings, district wildlife manager for Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Pronghorn hunting season started Oct. 4 so there could be legitimate hunters in the area until Oct. 10. It is illegal for hunters to kill and abandon big game as well as fail to make a reasonable attempt to track and kill animals that may have been wounded. Hunting is a useful tool in wildlife management and responsible hunters help maintain healthy populations.
Anyone with information about the poachings should call Colorado Parks and Wildlife District Wildlife Manager Warren Cummings at 719-775-2025 or the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office at 719-743-2426. Callers may remain anonymous by calling Operation Game Thief at 877-COLO-OGT (877-265-6648) or Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP. Tips and information may also be emailed to game.thief@state.co.us.
