A Dozen Antelope Illegally Killed in Alleged Mass Thrill Killing in Wyoming

Wyoming’s Game and Fish Department has put out a BOLO for information regarding the illegal killing of twelve pronghorn. According to the department’s release, the dozen animals were shot near Kemmerer at some point over last weekend, many of the animals were left wounded and suffering when they were discovered.

Those that survived the initial barrage of bullets were then put down by game wardens who were on site to investigate the incident. Wardens believe the antelope were shot sometime between Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning after they were discovered along Ham’s Fork Road north of Viva Naughton Reservoir, just north of Kemmerer.

Wyoming game warden Alex Poncelet indicated that several mature bucks were targeted by the individual(s) and the shooters made no attempt to preserve any of the animal's meat. 

 “This incident is extremely disturbing, as all of the antelope were shot and left to rot, and no edible portions were taken from any of the antelope,” said Poncelet. “The individual or individuals responsible targeted several mature bucks in this incident, showing a complete disregard for Wyoming’s wildlife and law-abiding hunters.”

All twelve of the animals were shot in Antelope Hunt Area 93, a popular destination for legal antelope hunters during the fall season. And while much of Wyoming suffered a brutal winter back in 2022-23, this region of the state was hit particularly hard and resulted in the loss of thousands of antelope, whose herds are still struggling to recover.

“Absolutely disgusting and disgraceful behavior. Every sportsman in the state should be mad as hell over this,” Wyoming outdoorsman Paul Ulrich told Cowboy State Daily. “Our pronghorn population is still reeling from the winter two years ago, and now some asshole kicks them when they’re down.”

As with many animals coming out of harsh winter conditions, the spring is an important time for antelope who are still dealing with depleted energy reserves from the cold season. Additionally, pregnant does are set to give birth over the next month or two and having someone open fire into a herd does nothing to help keep their stressed nervous systems calm. 

Anyone with possible information regarding this incident, or who was in the area and may have noted suspicious vehicles or activities, is encouraged to call Kemmerer Game Warden Alex Poncelet at 307-877-3278, the Green River Game and Fish office at 307-875-3223, the Stop Poaching Hotline at 1-877-WGFD-TIP (1-877-943-3847) or through the online Stop Poaching Hotline.

Callers can remain anonymous, and any information leading to an arrest and conviction may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000 through the Wyoming Wildlife Protectors’ Association.