Cochrane Fish and Wildlife officers are seeking public assistance in the apprehension of those responsible for shooting and leaving a young bull moose near Cochrane.
A recreational user came across the young moose on the afternoon of March 30, near trail marker 15 along the TransAlta Road, west of Cochrane.
The moose was partially covered by deadfall, its throat was slit (likely post-mortem) and the entire carcass was left behind.
“It’s illegal to waste big game meat and to abandon a carcass,” said Fish and Wildlife spokesperson, Brendan Cox, adding that public tips go a long way in assisting officers to solve these cases.
While poaching penalties are ultimately left to the discretion of a judge, the maximum sentence includes a fine up to $50,000 and up to one year in jail.
Moose hunting season in and around Cochrane generally runs late summer through fall, but varies for antlered and those without antlers; visit albertaregulations.ca for more.
To report a poacher or a perceived hunting and fishing violation, contact 1-800-642-3800.
