TWRA is seeking information about an elk that was illegally shot on the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area over the weekend.
On Saturday, about 30 minutes before sunset, a deer hunter was watching a herd of elk grazing in a field when he witnessed a red Polaris RZR drive up and stop near an opening between the roadway and the field. The operator, who was also an apparent hunter, exited the ATV, walked through a small gap in the woods and shot one of the elk standing in the field. The witness stated that he identified himself to the shooter who then got back into his ATV and fled towards the town of Caryville.
The witness contacted TWRA and an investigation ensued. Wildlife officers responded to the area and located a young bull elk that had been shot in the neck lying in a field. The incident occurred in a field on Tower Road, which is on Caryville Mountain above the town of Caryville.
The witness described the shooter as a heavy set white male, approximately 5' 8” and wearing a blaze orange vest and hat. Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact the TWRA Poaching Hotline at 1-800-831-1174.