CASPER – The number of pronghorn antelope poached near Casper continues to grow and now encompasses more than a 50 mile long crime scene. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is still seeking information on the shooting of several antelope west of Casper off 33 Mile Road.
“As the investigation continues, the case just gets bigger,” says Daniel Beach, west Casper game warden. “We have learned that the suspects were shooting across the lane of traffic with an AK47 style assault rifle, killing antelope along 33 Mile Road for over 50 miles and just leaving them to rot. You can only imagine what we are finding.”
All the pronghorn were shot and killed on the evening of Sept. 26. Eyewitnesses described the vehicle as a dark red or maroon, newer model Nissan SUV, possibly an Xterra that was last seen headed west towards the Bighorn Mountains on 33 Mile Road. The front license plate was white with red letters or numbers. Four males were believed to be in the vehicle at the time of the shooting.
“Wyomingites should be angry when they hear of people treating their wildlife with such disregard. We need to catch these poachers, and we need help from the public to do it,” adds Beach. “We have had many tips, but unfortunately, nothing leading us to the suspects.”
Anyone with information on this crime is encouraged to call the Stop Poaching hotline at 1-877-WGFD-TIP. Tips may result in a reward of up to $5000 and informants can chose to remain anonymous.
–From a press release
