NEWS
Poaching of wildlife on the rise in Colorado
James Hopkins
MESA COUNTY, Colo. (KKCO) - The number of poachers ignoring wildlife laws and killing big game is on the rise across Colorado and the Division of Wildlife needs your help to win the costly battle.
Some officials describe it as a game of greed. Either way you look at it poaching affects every resident of Colorado, not just hunters.
"Everybody suffers 'cause you can't view these animals when hiking and camping," says Randy Hampton of the Colorado Division of Wildlife.
The Division of Wildlife has noticed an increase in poaching over the past few years and whether it's for the sport or for the money,
if caught, the penalty can be costly. "Into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, potentially jail time," says Hampton.
Even the little things can add up to stiff penalties. "If someone accumulates 20 or more points they can lose their license in the state of Colorado and 34 other states," says DOW officer Albert Romero.
Wildlife officers are on patrol day and night trying to rid our state of these criminals. Some days go smoothly. "I had one guy actually call and turn himself in. He had bull license and he accidentally shot a cow," says Romero. Admitting it knocked down his fine from $1,300 to just $68. Some days aren't so easy. "I had a bighorn poached in my district, whoever shot it just left it there," says Romero.
While officers are out in full force, they can't be everywhere at once and they need your help. "The vast majority of the cases we make involve somebody seeing something and letting us know," says Hampton. Even if it's a quick check to make sure all things are in order. "Ninety-eight percent are law abiding citizens and some of them make mistakes and we handle them accordingly," says Romero.
Officials are working to get the upper hand in the battle. "New technology is coming out that uses DNA to track criminals," says Hampton. Because less poaching means more beautiful wildlife for all of us to enjoy.
There is currently an $11,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the poaching of a Big Horn Sheep north of DeBeque. For more information click on the link below.
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