KEMMERER, Wyo. — The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) is investigating the illegal shooting of 12 pronghorn north of Kemmerer in antelope hunt area 93, the agency announced Friday.
A member of the public contacted Kemmerer Game Warden Alex Poncelet on April 27 after discovering the dead animals while recreating on Ham’s Fork Road near Viva Naughton Reservoir, according to the agency. A dozen pronghorn were found to have been shot between the afternoon of April 26 and the morning of April 27, “including several that were still alive and had to be euthanized by game wardens,” the agency stated.
“This incident is extremely disturbing, as all of the antelope were shot and left to rot, and no edible portions were taken from any of the antelope,” Poncelet said in a statement. “The individual or individuals responsible targeted several mature bucks in this incident, showing a complete disregard for Wyoming’s wildlife and law-abiding hunters.”
WGFD encourages anyone with possible information about the incident to come forward, including people who were in the area on those days and might have spotted suspicious vehicles or activities. Call Poncelet at (307) 877-3278, the Green River Game and Fish office at (307) 875-3223, the Stop Poaching Hotline at (877) 943-3847 or use the online Stop Poaching Hotline.
“Callers can remain anonymous, and any information leading to an arrest and conviction may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000 through the Wyoming Wildlife Protectors’ Association,” WGFD shared.
