Three elk poached in Montana

HELENA – Montana officials are investigating the shooting of a bull elk left to rot after its antlers were removed.

Brent White of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks said the agency is also investigating after finding another bull elk and a cow elk shot near the same area. That bull elk still had its antlers.

White said it’s not clear if there is any connection between the first elk and the two reported last week.

The first bull was shot on the Settle Ranch between the Canyon Creek Store and Silver City, and the other two nearby, according to the Independent Record newspaper.

White said the general big game season starts Saturday.