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Illegal elk killing in Park City Mountain is under investigation

The Park City Mountain area where an elk was poached and found on September 26th. Photo: Marina Knight|TownLift

PARK CITY, Utah – A bowhunter illegally killed an elk on Park City Mountain in late September, according to Utah state wildlife officials. Officials said Tuesday the investigation was ongoing.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) received a report on September 26 of a suspicious deer poached on private property, according to the Park City Police Department blotter. Conservation officers responded to the scene the next day and found a dead moose that had had its head removed and all of its meat harvested.

Utah DWR spokeswoman Faith Jolley confirmed the incident occurred within the expanded archery elk hunting unit along the Wasatch Front. However, she noted that the specific area where the elk was found is private property of the Park City Mountain Resort, where hunting is strictly prohibited.

“The elk was harvested within the extended archery season,” Jolley said. “The incident remains under investigation and our officer is working with Park City Mountain Resort.”

Emily McDonald, a spokeswoman for Park City Mountain, emphasized that hunting is strictly prohibited on resort property. “Park City Mountain is on private property and hunting is prohibited at the resort year-round,” McDonald explained. “This is prohibited for the protection of our guests and employees and is also consistent with Park City Township ordinances that apply throughout the property.”

McDonald added that no-trespassing notices are posted at key access points to the property, including access points along Mid Mountain Trail, First Time Lot, King Road, Willow Draw, Jupiter Peak and Pinecone Ridge.

Due to the ongoing investigation, authorities have not released any further details about the incident or possible suspects.

Jolley emphasized the importance of safety during hunting season and advised, “We recommend that people wear orange or other fluorescent colors when hiking or mountain biking in areas where active hunting occurs in the fall.”

The case highlights the complex interplay between hunting regulations, private property rights and public recreation areas in the region. While the investigation continues, local outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines when exploring the region's trails and resorts.

In early September, Utah wildlife officials highlighted recent poaching incidents in Summit and Wasatch counties as part of a broader crackdown on illegal hunting across the state.

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