Moose Shot, Left To Rot Near Newman Lake

Thu., Dec. 7, 1995

Adam Lynn Staff Writer

A quiet corner of the Spokane Valley has become the epicenter of a moose poaching problem in Eastern Washington.

At least three moose - two bulls and a cow - have been shot and left to rot in the thick woods north of Newman Lake since mid-October, state wildlife officials reported.

All three moose were killed in the Thompson Creek drainage - a rugged area that rises from the lake into the foothills near Mount Spokane.

The area is full of moose and is popular with hunters and people who shoot guns recreationally, said Rod Bliss, a law enforcement agent with the state Department of Fish and Wildlife.

That may have been a deadly combination for the animals, all of which were shot within 75 yards of roads, Bliss said.

It appears the poacher or poachers shot the moose just for fun, Bliss said, as no meat or antlers were removed from the carcasses.

“It’s like they were just seeing if they could do it is what it seems like to me,” he said. “They all looked like one-shot kills. It’s just a waste.”

Wildlife agents have no suspects and are offering a reward for information about the poachings.

“Somebody out there knows, that’s the thing,” Bliss said.

Illegally killing a moose is punishable by fines, revocation of hunting privileges and jail time.

Seven moose have been shot and abandoned in Eastern Washington this year, an unusually high number, Bliss said.

“I’ve never seen it like this,” he said.

The Fish and Wildlife Department gave out only 19 moose permits this year. That number could be higher if not for poaching, Bliss added.

The large animals - they can be six feet high at the shoulder and weigh 1,800 pounds - make easy targets for poachers.

“The moose just stand there. They don’t run away,” Bliss said. “Short of a rifle, they nave no natural enemies.”

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: Reward offered The state Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking information on three illegal moose killings in the Newman Lake area. If you can help, call the department’s regional office, 456-4082, or the state poaching hot line, (800) 477-6224. A reward is available.

This sidebar appeared with the story: Reward offered The state Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking information on three illegal moose killings in the Newman Lake area. If you can help, call the department’s regional office, 456-4082, or the state poaching hot line, (800) 477-6224. A reward is available.