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Manhunt on to nab serial elk poachers
12/08/2002
Associated Press
KENNEWICK, Wash. - A serial killer is loose in the Blue Mountains.
And though the victims are Rocky Mountain elk, the state Department of Fish and Wildlife is approaching the slaughter of at least 18 animals over the past five weeks as if it were a homicide investigation.
At least 13 branch-antlered trophy bulls, three other mature bulls and two cows, have been reported. In most cases, only the antlers were taken.
Worse, state Fish and Wildlife officer Todd Vandivert of Dayton, who is leading the poaching investigation, said those responsible for the killings are likely to continue until they are caught.
"In some ways, this case is similar to a serial killing. We are trying to gather physical evidence such as tire tracks, foot prints and bullets, which we would use to match with a suspect. The hard part is connecting the killings to a suspect or suspects. We have plenty of tips, but we don't have any suspects. We're hoping they make a mistake or that a witness or someone who might know them comes forward," he said.
Vandivert said the recent string of elk poachings, which is now up to over 40 animals in the last year, is the worst he's ever witnessed.
"Normally in the Blue Mountain area of Walla Walla, Garfield, Asotin and Columbia counties we might see three or four poaching incidents a year. Last year, it jumped to 26 and we're actually ahead of last year's pace considering how early in the year the poachings have started," he said.
Vandivert said he's particularly surprised by the boldness of the poachers who are killing the animals during established hunting seasons when the woods are full of witnesses.
Most of the dead elk have been found in the Eckler Mountain, Jasper Mountain and Skyline Roads areas south of Dayton in Columbia County.
The elk killings have apparently struck a nerve with just about everyone who has heard about the tragic losses.
"We've received at least 35 to 40 calls, but most of them are pretty general, he said.
And, as in a serial killing case, Vandivert has a profile of those who could be responsible.
"To poach this many elk, somebody has to know what they're doing because the elk are being taken in so many areas and at all times of the day and night. I believe it's someone who is very familiar with area," he said.
Typically, wildlife officers run across two types of poachers.
One is the opportunist who makes a stupid mistake.
Then there's the repeat offender, or serial poacher.
"Because of the number of elk killed, I believe we have at least two different groups or entities committing these crimes. I also feel they are moving into the showing off stage. I think it's become a thrill for them," he said.
But Vandivert has no doubt the case will be solved. And money could prove to be an incentive to give someone up.
The state and Hunters Heritage Council are offering about $2,500 in rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the poachers.
Officials needs names, vehicle license numbers and other information to help in the investigation that presently involves at least three wildlife officers.
While big-game poaching is generally a gross misdemeanor, it could be a felony depending on the suspect's prior record.
Also, a big-game poaching conviction carries a mandatory state penalty of $6,000 for each trophy animal killed. A person convicted also could face additional fines of up to $5,000 and up to a year in jail for each count.
Because of the severity of the poaching, Vandivert believes a judge or jury would likely impose the maximum penalties.
The elk killings also are likely to have an impact on future hunting in the Blues, wildlife officials say.
This year, no permits for branch-antlered bulls were issued in the Tucannon and Dayton game management units because of poaching. And the poachers have again targeted animals in the Dayton and Tucannon units, as well as Blue Creek.
Dinah Demers, the Fish and Wildlife's regional wildlife program manager in Spokane, said branch-antlered permits are determined upon the bull-to-cow ratio and the loss of this many mature bulls could have a dramatic effect on the stability of the overall herd.
The Blue Mountain elk population -- estimated at about 4,440 animals -- has been stabilizing in recent years following a decline based on several factors including predation, loss of habitat and poaching, Demers said.
The poachings could also affect hunter-landowner relations, which have been tenuous at best in the Blues.
"This kind of behavior that can ruin it for everybody," Vandivert said, "which is why I'm encouraging people to step forward with any information they have, even if they're not sure."
"I'd rather get a lot of useless information then not receive that one tip that could help me solve the case," he added.
Source: http://www.ktvb.com/news/regional/stories/NW_120802WABelkpoach.823cb933.html
12/08/2002
Associated Press
KENNEWICK, Wash. - A serial killer is loose in the Blue Mountains.
And though the victims are Rocky Mountain elk, the state Department of Fish and Wildlife is approaching the slaughter of at least 18 animals over the past five weeks as if it were a homicide investigation.
At least 13 branch-antlered trophy bulls, three other mature bulls and two cows, have been reported. In most cases, only the antlers were taken.
Worse, state Fish and Wildlife officer Todd Vandivert of Dayton, who is leading the poaching investigation, said those responsible for the killings are likely to continue until they are caught.
"In some ways, this case is similar to a serial killing. We are trying to gather physical evidence such as tire tracks, foot prints and bullets, which we would use to match with a suspect. The hard part is connecting the killings to a suspect or suspects. We have plenty of tips, but we don't have any suspects. We're hoping they make a mistake or that a witness or someone who might know them comes forward," he said.
Vandivert said the recent string of elk poachings, which is now up to over 40 animals in the last year, is the worst he's ever witnessed.
"Normally in the Blue Mountain area of Walla Walla, Garfield, Asotin and Columbia counties we might see three or four poaching incidents a year. Last year, it jumped to 26 and we're actually ahead of last year's pace considering how early in the year the poachings have started," he said.
Vandivert said he's particularly surprised by the boldness of the poachers who are killing the animals during established hunting seasons when the woods are full of witnesses.
Most of the dead elk have been found in the Eckler Mountain, Jasper Mountain and Skyline Roads areas south of Dayton in Columbia County.
The elk killings have apparently struck a nerve with just about everyone who has heard about the tragic losses.
"We've received at least 35 to 40 calls, but most of them are pretty general, he said.
And, as in a serial killing case, Vandivert has a profile of those who could be responsible.
"To poach this many elk, somebody has to know what they're doing because the elk are being taken in so many areas and at all times of the day and night. I believe it's someone who is very familiar with area," he said.
Typically, wildlife officers run across two types of poachers.
One is the opportunist who makes a stupid mistake.
Then there's the repeat offender, or serial poacher.
"Because of the number of elk killed, I believe we have at least two different groups or entities committing these crimes. I also feel they are moving into the showing off stage. I think it's become a thrill for them," he said.
But Vandivert has no doubt the case will be solved. And money could prove to be an incentive to give someone up.
The state and Hunters Heritage Council are offering about $2,500 in rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the poachers.
Officials needs names, vehicle license numbers and other information to help in the investigation that presently involves at least three wildlife officers.
While big-game poaching is generally a gross misdemeanor, it could be a felony depending on the suspect's prior record.
Also, a big-game poaching conviction carries a mandatory state penalty of $6,000 for each trophy animal killed. A person convicted also could face additional fines of up to $5,000 and up to a year in jail for each count.
Because of the severity of the poaching, Vandivert believes a judge or jury would likely impose the maximum penalties.
The elk killings also are likely to have an impact on future hunting in the Blues, wildlife officials say.
This year, no permits for branch-antlered bulls were issued in the Tucannon and Dayton game management units because of poaching. And the poachers have again targeted animals in the Dayton and Tucannon units, as well as Blue Creek.
Dinah Demers, the Fish and Wildlife's regional wildlife program manager in Spokane, said branch-antlered permits are determined upon the bull-to-cow ratio and the loss of this many mature bulls could have a dramatic effect on the stability of the overall herd.
The Blue Mountain elk population -- estimated at about 4,440 animals -- has been stabilizing in recent years following a decline based on several factors including predation, loss of habitat and poaching, Demers said.
The poachings could also affect hunter-landowner relations, which have been tenuous at best in the Blues.
"This kind of behavior that can ruin it for everybody," Vandivert said, "which is why I'm encouraging people to step forward with any information they have, even if they're not sure."
"I'd rather get a lot of useless information then not receive that one tip that could help me solve the case," he added.
Source: http://www.ktvb.com/news/regional/stories/NW_120802WABelkpoach.823cb933.html
