Bull Elk Killed Illegally in Jackson County

WAUSAU, Wis. (WXCO) – The Wisconsin DNR wants tips on the breeding bull elk that was shot in Black River Falls back in early March.

This bull was one of the last remaining elk originally brought from Kentucky in 2016 and was one of the primary breeding bulls for the Central Elk Herd.

Known as #244 he was wearing a GPS radio collar. With nearby cellular trail cameras, the DNR says investigators have detailed information related to the illegal shooting.

The dead elk was found off East Snow Creek Road and on private property north of the city of Black River Falls. Necropsy results showed it died from a gunshot wound.

“The illegal shooting of bull 244 is a tremendous loss for the central elk herd and citizens of Wisconsin. The illegal harvest of a bull of this magnitude reduces opportunity to the hunting community and to recreationalists attempting to photograph or see elk within Jackson County.” said Christina Kizewski, a central elk herd biologist in a press release.

The DNR asks the public to share any information, no matter how small it may seem, to the DNR’s confidential Violation Hotline online or by calling 1-800-847-9367. 

“Bull 244 was one of the largest and most photographed bulls in the state and has contributed to the successful growth of the newly established herd through his breeding efforts.” explained Kizewski.