Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks game wardens are asking the public to help identify the person or persons responsible for the illegal killing of at least one elk on private property just east of Canyon Ferry recently.

On Sunday, Oct. 15, responding to a call from a landowner, game wardens discovered a badly decayed bull elk and a more freshly killed cow elk on private land between Ray Creek Road and Dry Gulch Road off Highway 284.

Upon investigation, it appeared the cow elk had been shot within a few days of being discovered. This coincides with a witness’ account of hearing multiple gunshots the evening of Wednesday, Oct. 11 near the discovered elk.

Given the state of the carcass, no determination could be made in the field about the bull elk’s cause of death.At the time of this incident there was no legal season in place for the rifle hunting of elk in this area.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Warden Josh Leonard at 406-439-0451, or 800-TIP-MONT. Callers may remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward.