A man and a woman have been convicted of wildlife-related offenses stemming from the illegal killing of a trophy-class bull elk within the boundaries of Great Basin National Park in November 2022.
The incident came to light after multiple members of the public reported a suspected unlawful harvest of a 6×6 bull elk on November 9, 2022. Nevada Game Warden Nick Brunson led an investigation that confirmed the animal had been shot more than half a mile inside the park, where all hunting is prohibited. The case was subsequently referred to the White Pine County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
The female defendant, who possessed a valid Nevada elk tag at the time of the incident, entered a plea of guilty/no contest in May 2024 to the charge of hunting in a closed area. She was fined $415.
The male defendant pled guilty in March 2025 to possession of an unlawfully harvested big game animal, classified as a gross misdemeanor. His sentence included 15 days in jail, which was suspended, along with 12 months of parole and probation. He was also ordered to pay $738 in court-related costs and a $5,000 civil penalty to the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW).
As part of the enforcement action, NDOW seized the elk’s antlers with the skull attached, its skinned cape, and the processed meat. No firearms, vehicles, or other equipment were confiscated during the investigation.
“This case is a strong example of how public reports, effective investigation, and interagency cooperation help protect Nevada’s wildlife,” said Chief Game Warden Kristy Knight. “We take these violations seriously, especially when they involve illegal activity in protected areas like Great Basin National Park.”
The case highlights the ongoing efforts of wildlife officials to uphold state and federal regulations designed to preserve protected species and habitats.
