MEEKER, Colo.—Colorado wildlife officials say a hunter who illegally shot a moose, thinking it was an elk, has been sentenced to three years of probation and a $5,177 fine.
The Division of Wildlife said Tuesday that 30-year-old Joel Eady of Highlands Ranch didn’t promptly report his mistake that happened in October near Meeker. District wildlife manager Jon Wangnild says officers are usually more lenient if accidents are reported promptly.
Eady was charged with willful destruction of wildlife, hunting out of season, illegal possession of wildlife and failing to properly care for a harvested animal. Wildlife officials say he pleaded guilty April 1 in Rio Blanco County and faces a lifetime suspension of hunting privileges pending a review by a Division of Wildlife hearing examiner.
Eady didn’t return an email seeking comment.
