Moose's DNA dooms Wisconsin poacher

Chicago Suntimes
August 24, 2006

SALIDA, Colo. -- Authorities used moose DNA to convict a Wisconsin man of illegally killing a moose near St. Elmo.

State Division of Wildlife district manager Ron Dobson began investigating after finding a moose skull that had been dug up by a bear.

''It was obvious to me that whoever killed the moose went to a great deal of trouble to conceal the crime by burying portions of the hide and skull. If it hadn't been for the bear, the evidence might still be buried,'' Dobson said.

A citizen's tip pointed them to Charles Pedraza of Oshkosh, Wis., and a computer revealed he had an elk license for the period.

A search of a storage unit held by Pedraza turned up a moose pelt and photos that placed him at the scene. A DNA test confirmed they belonged to the moose whose skull was found.

Pedraza then pleaded guilty.

''This case is a good example of how a citizen's tip can be combined with old-fashioned detective work and high-tech DNA evidence to solve a cold case,'' Dobson said. ''Colorado takes poaching very seriously.''

A Chaffee County judge ordered Pedraza to pay an $11,391 fine.

AP

Kathi
Thanks for posting that article. I live in Colorado only 120 miles from the scene of the crime and I've not heard about it previously.
I think the more people hear about the lengths that Wardens will go to to prosecute may keep some of the oportunistic offenders more honest.
Snellstrom