Poacher arrested in New Mexico for killing and wasting two bull elk

Andrew McKee is accused in New Mexico of poaching and wasting two bull elk, wildlife officials said. The case began with a tip from a witness who watched the elk die through a spotting scope.

The New Mexico Department of Wildlife announced the arrest on Friday. Investigators said one of the two elk had been killed under a valid license, while the other had not.

New Mexico Conservation Officers hiked to the scene in the Jemez Mountains after receiving multiple tips about headless bull elk left to waste. DNA samples and other evidence were collected from the two carcasses.

One witness told officers he was watching two bull elk through his spotting scope when two hunters shot them. The witness also provided screenshots from social media showing the suspected poacher posing with the elk, according to the department.

During the investigation, officers found one of the bull elk heads listed for sale. Officers bought the head from the suspected poacher, which led to the arrest for unlawful sale of wildlife.

McKee then confessed to the unlawful killing of the elk, wildlife officials said. The charges include killing elk without a license and unlawful sale of wildlife.

The investigation remains active. Officers are still working to identify the second hunter seen in the spotting scope account.

The New Mexico Department of Wildlife manages fish and wildlife resources across the state. Conservation officers investigate poaching, illegal sales and wildlife violations under state law.

Anyone with information about a wildlife violation can call Operation Game Thief at 1-800-432-4263. Reports can also be submitted online through the Department of Wildlife website, according to wildlife officials.