State seeks info on poached bull moose near Kalispell

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is looking for information regarding a bull moose that was shot and left alongside Orchard Ridge Road near Foys Canyon.

Game warden Weston Oedekoven said he found the animal about a week ago, but it was significantly decomposed and likely was killed sometime in July. He added that incidents of moose poaching are uncommon, particularly in state Hunting District 111 where the moose population can only support about 10 hunting tags per year.

“Whitetail deer is more of a common species this time of year, especially when they start getting antlers, but for a moose it’s very rare to have this happen,” Oedekoven said. “To have one taken out of the population, it really does hurt us.”

If convicted, the poacher could face up to several thousand dollars in fines for restitution and charges, including a closed season charge, wasting a game animal and potentially other crimes such as spotlighting. Oedekoven said in this case the state would likely ask the judge to also revoke the offender’s hunting privileges.

The wildlife agency is asking anyone with information to contact 1-800-TIP-MONT or Oedekoven at 270-4220. Callers may remain anonymous, and may be offered an award for providing information.