Fish and Wildlife officers scouring social media to find Turner Valley poacher

Investigators are now turning to the public and social media in hopes of finding the poacher of a bighorn sheep near Turner Valley.

Cochrane Fish and Wildlife officers made the gruesome discovery on September 23rd, 2015; the animal had been shot several days before and was long dead.

The concerning thing for them was that it had been propped up on a log and the meat had been left behind, otherwise known as poaching, an offence under Alberta law.

The tag on the left ear is yellow with the number 30 on it, while the tag on the right ear is purple with the number 39.

“The season in that area is September 7 to October 31, so the main concern was that this sheep was left to waste there,” said Public Affairs Officer Brendan Cox. “These bighorn sheep in Alberta, they’re one of the most revered species I think, or big game species that we have, and they’re highly sought after. It’s really concerning that someone would leave it to waste like that.

“Fish and Wildlife officers are asking for public assistance now because this is part of the investigating technique or process that they’re applying, it was a strategic move to allow any pictures that the perpetrator might have taken to circulate in the public realm.”

Cox said poaching is something that happens every year, but Fish and Wildlife is dedicated to combatting this type of crime and they’re confident they’re making a difference.

Convicted poachers can face of a fine upwards of $50,000 and up to one year in jail.

Anyone who has seen similar pictures, who might recognize the sheep or who might have information is being asked to contact the 24-hour Report A Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800.

Callers can stay anonymous; they’re also eligible for a monetary reward.