BearHunter
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A 33-year-old Bear Valley resident was arrested last week on charges stemming from the slaying of a trophy elk known to residents as Big Daddy. Arrested was John Russell Reed, 33, who was charged with five Fish and Game Code violations and one Penal Code violation in connection with the October shooting of the elk. The arrest was the culmination of a two-month investigation conducted by the California Department of Fish and Game Warden Bill Dailey and the subsequent recovery of the elk's 16-point rack.
On Oct. 6, Bear Valley police responded to a call that an animal was down on El Camino Drive. Upon arrival they discovered the gutted carcass of the bull elk with three legs removed along with the animal's antlers. Because all wild animals are under the jurisdiction of the state, officers immediately called in representatives of the Department of Fish and Game.
The shooting upset many residents who looked forward to seeing the occasional appearances of the elk, who ranged in bands from three or four to large groups consisting of males and females. "Big Daddy" was a name imposed upon the largest — and possibly the oldest — of the bull elks who enjoyed the sanctuary afforded them in the mountains and valleys of Bear and Cummings Valleys.
Residents considered the elk a special treat since they are Wapiti or North American elk and not native to California (as are the Tule elk), but remnants of those imported into Cummings Valley in the 1960s. As such, there are no preserves in California where these elk may be seen except for this location. Wildlife specialists throughout the state expressed interest in the elk and are among those who abhor the shooting.
Reed has been charged with possession of wildlife out of season, the unlawful taking of an elk, possession of a loaded rifle in a vehicle, possession of an elk illegally taken and waste of a meat animal. In addition the warrant listed violation of Penal Code 247B — shooting towards an unoccupied dwelling. If convicted he could face $20,000 to $30,000 in fines plus possible jail time.
Reed, who lives near the golf course, apparently saw the elk near El Camino Drive. According to reports, he allegedly told officers he returned home for a gun and shot the animal even though it was only about one and a half yards from a residence. Licensed hunters expressed disgust upon hearing Reed's gun was a .22-caliber rifle, a weapon used primarily for target shooting or hunting small animals, as it is not heavy enough to bring down an animal as large as an elk. Subsequently, as reported, Big Daddy did not flee at the muted sound of the rifle, but stood with his herd until three rounds finally felled him.
According to Dailey, it looked as if Reed then became frightened off as there was a lot of meat left on the carcass. Dailey could not discuss the full details of the investigation but did say there were numerous clues which led them through the Bear and Cummings Valleys and into Bakersfield and the ultimate warrants for arrests.
On the same day, officers arrested Gregg Mike Waters, also 33, of Bakersfield, who was charged with possession of wildlife parts (antlers) out of season. Waters was also charged with unlawful possession of a deer.
Both men were booked into a Kern County jail where they made bail and were released to family members. A court date will be set following a forthcoming arraignment.
Bear Valley resident Shirley Hornbeck is among those residents wanting to be present at the trial at which time she hopes the judge will make an example of poachers. “They took advantage of those innocent and trusting animals,” she said. “They have deprived us of ever seeing that magnificent animal again. I want to be at that trial, as do several others.”
On Oct. 6, Bear Valley police responded to a call that an animal was down on El Camino Drive. Upon arrival they discovered the gutted carcass of the bull elk with three legs removed along with the animal's antlers. Because all wild animals are under the jurisdiction of the state, officers immediately called in representatives of the Department of Fish and Game.
The shooting upset many residents who looked forward to seeing the occasional appearances of the elk, who ranged in bands from three or four to large groups consisting of males and females. "Big Daddy" was a name imposed upon the largest — and possibly the oldest — of the bull elks who enjoyed the sanctuary afforded them in the mountains and valleys of Bear and Cummings Valleys.
Residents considered the elk a special treat since they are Wapiti or North American elk and not native to California (as are the Tule elk), but remnants of those imported into Cummings Valley in the 1960s. As such, there are no preserves in California where these elk may be seen except for this location. Wildlife specialists throughout the state expressed interest in the elk and are among those who abhor the shooting.
Reed has been charged with possession of wildlife out of season, the unlawful taking of an elk, possession of a loaded rifle in a vehicle, possession of an elk illegally taken and waste of a meat animal. In addition the warrant listed violation of Penal Code 247B — shooting towards an unoccupied dwelling. If convicted he could face $20,000 to $30,000 in fines plus possible jail time.
Reed, who lives near the golf course, apparently saw the elk near El Camino Drive. According to reports, he allegedly told officers he returned home for a gun and shot the animal even though it was only about one and a half yards from a residence. Licensed hunters expressed disgust upon hearing Reed's gun was a .22-caliber rifle, a weapon used primarily for target shooting or hunting small animals, as it is not heavy enough to bring down an animal as large as an elk. Subsequently, as reported, Big Daddy did not flee at the muted sound of the rifle, but stood with his herd until three rounds finally felled him.
According to Dailey, it looked as if Reed then became frightened off as there was a lot of meat left on the carcass. Dailey could not discuss the full details of the investigation but did say there were numerous clues which led them through the Bear and Cummings Valleys and into Bakersfield and the ultimate warrants for arrests.
On the same day, officers arrested Gregg Mike Waters, also 33, of Bakersfield, who was charged with possession of wildlife parts (antlers) out of season. Waters was also charged with unlawful possession of a deer.
Both men were booked into a Kern County jail where they made bail and were released to family members. A court date will be set following a forthcoming arraignment.
Bear Valley resident Shirley Hornbeck is among those residents wanting to be present at the trial at which time she hopes the judge will make an example of poachers. “They took advantage of those innocent and trusting animals,” she said. “They have deprived us of ever seeing that magnificent animal again. I want to be at that trial, as do several others.”
