Several cow elk were illegally killed five miles below Dagger Falls in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness and Idaho Fish and Game is asking the public for information in the case.

Conservation officer Ben Cadwallader responded to a report of five cow elk that were poached with several left at the scene. He found three that were left to waste in the reported location and evidence that others had been shot, field dressed and removed from the area.

This is outrageous. You ask yourself why anyone would do this - poaching and then leaving animals to waste. It makes your blood boil when our wildlife resources are destroyed by poachers.

Fish and Game reports that evidence was collected at the scene, but Cadwallader hopes to learn more about the case from an eyewitness. “It appears that the suspects had horses and entered the area from Dagger Falls and Boundary Creek,” Cadwallader said. “I would very much like to visit with anyone who may have been in that portion of Unit 27 during the last week of October.”

Someone had to see something because the elk were killed right on the Middle Fork of the Salmon trail, downstream of Sulphur Creek near Spike Creek.

"Looks like whomever did it, just opened up on a herd of elk and took out what they could cover with tags," said Cadwallader.

Boundary Creek also is usually a hub of activity because it is a trailhead and large parking area for entry into the Central Idaho wilderness area. Hunters are always talking when they meet on the trail or elsewhere. "How's the hunting?" "Where'd ya see game?"

Hopefully someone saw the poachers and it raised some concerns.

Citizens against Poaching (CAP) is offering a reward for information in the case and callers can remain anonymous. You can call CAP at (800) 632-5999, anytime day or night.

You can also contact a conservation officer at local Fish and Game offices.

Let's hope these poachers are caught.

Fish and Game provided a photo and it really makes you mad.