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EMERY COUNTY — A man who shot a trophy bull elk without a valid permit was recently convicted of poaching, wildlife officials said.
Robert Matthew Anderson, 41, was hunting with his father when he shot a six-point bull elk in September 2012 without a permit, according to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail and 36 months probation on June 3 by the 7th District Court in Castle Dale.
Investigators said because Anderson did not have a valid permit, he tried to use the Manti any weapon limited entry bull permit his father had been issued to claim the elk.
“On the opening day, Anderson — without a valid permit — shot a six point bull elk, and subsequently used his father's permit to tag the elk,” a statement from the DWR reads. “Shortly after the event, wildlife officers were notified by two witnesses who had knowledge of the offense.”
DWR officers said they obtained search warrants to recover the elk and weapon for the investigation. Anderson was convicted of poaching on April 4.
In addition to jail time, Anderson faces a big game license suspension of up to 14 years and was ordered to pay the maximum restitution for poaching trophy bull elk of $8,000 to the Help Stop Poaching Fund, according to the DWR.
Investigators said the poaching conviction would not have been possible without the help of the two witnesses who told the DWR about the incident. Anyone with information about similar wildlife offenses can contact the DWR at 1-800-662-3337.
