Reward: Authorities Seek Help Identifying Moose Killers in Maine

A reward is being offered for information on individuals who killed Moose in Maine.

The Maine Warden Service and Operation Game Thief are asking for help from Mainers in trying to identify individuals who broke the law, shooting two Moose.

This took place in the towns Topsfield and Vanceboro, according to WABI, and the wildlife agency is offering a significant reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the people responsible for these illegal animal killings.

These were two separate killings.

As per the article, the first moose was found off the Burn Road in Topsfield. The authorities think that it was killed around November 22. This was a bull moose, and it had been shot and one side of its meat was taken, according to the news station.

After the shooting, the moose was covered with fir boughs and surrounded by cut trees in an attempt to hide it, as per the article. In addition to the meat, the moose's antlers were also taken, further indicating the intentional nature of the crime.

The second moose was found off Walker Cove Road in Vanceboro, according to WABI. This happened close to when the first moose was shot, on or around November 23. However, unlike the first, this one was shot and then dragged off the road, the news station said.

Unfortunately, it was left to rot, a clear sign of disregard for the animal and the law, according to WABI.

Because of this terrible act, Operation Game Thief, which is an organization that helps stop illegal hunting in Maine, has said they will give a $2,000 reward for each moose, according to the news stastion. That's a total of $4,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

Why You Can’t Shoot Moose in Maine

Moose are a protected animal in Maine, and hunting them is highly regulated. There are legal hunting seasons for hunters to follow with strict rules for moose hunting. So, shooting a moose outside of those dates and regulations is illegal.

Not only is it a crime to hunt moose without a permit, but it also disrupts the natural balance of wildlife in the state, according to Maine.gov.