The Ho-Chunk Nation recently took possession of a cow elk that was killed illegally during the Wisconsin deer gun season.
The elk was transported to the Tribal Office Building on Tuesday, Dec. 11, then taken to an undisclosed location for butchering.
According to Wildlife Biologist Nelson Smith of the Ho-Chunk Nation DNR, the locator collar indicated the elk had died between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 20. The collar signal was used to locate the animal in the Wazee Lake area. The elk was gutted out when found.
Wisconsin DNR officials have not been able to find the person responsible for the kill and are asking the public for any tips to lead to the identification of the person.
In the past, any elk kills were given to the local food pantries and a system has been established to alternate the receiving pantries on a rotational basis.
The elk acquired on Dec. 11 will be cut up and delivered to the Ho-Chunk Food Distribution program to be offered to the Ho-Chunk members, according to HCN DNR Director Greg Blackdeer.