Three men charged for illegal moose and sheep killings in Anchorage

In the United States, specifically in Alaska, a lengthy investigation conducted by the Fish and Wildlife Troopers brought to light several wildlife-related crimes involving three men. The investigation began in the fall of 2021 when state troopers received reports of illegally killed Dall sheep in the McHugh Creek area and a moose in Bear Valley, areas where hunting is prohibited. The inquiry, which spanned four years, revealed that 27-year-old Jon Wilson confessed to killing a moose in Kincaid Park in October 2020 and another Dall sheep in 2021. Evidence found by troopers included the remains of the moose and sheep stored in Wilson's home, along with photographs of him posing with a moose in Bear Valley. Furthermore, 40-year-old Jerome Orton was implicated as well; he had unlawfully killed two Dall sheep in the McHugh Creek area and was found to have transported the Bear Valley moose using a vehicle registered to him. Notably, both Wilson and Orton faced charges for leaving the animal remains behind to rot, which not only violated wildlife protection laws but also raised ethical concerns regarding conservation and respect for wildlife. Both men reportedly falsified reports to the Fish and Game Department when they presented Dall sheep horns, claiming the animals were harvested legally in different areas. This aspect of the case highlights the broader issue of wildlife crime and the importance of adherence to conservation regulations. A third suspect, Lomer, was also captured in photographs alongside Orton with the illegally killed moose. He was later asked by Orton to help remove incriminating evidence from Orton’s home. However, law enforcement had difficulty locating this evidence during their searches. As of July 2024, Orton and Wilson faced 14 counts each of wildlife crimes, while Lomer remained at large with a bench warrant out for his arrest. The state troopers are actively seeking information leading to Lomer’s apprehension. The complexity and duration of the investigation underscore the ongoing challenge law enforcement faces with wildlife crimes. The illegal hunting of protected species not only threatens biodiversity but also undermines the efforts of conservationists and responsible hunters. The outcome of this case serves as a reminder of the stringent regulations in place to protect wildlife and the legal repercussions of violating these laws, emphasizing the importance of educating the public about hunting ethics and conservation efforts.