BRECKENRIDGE, COLO. (AP) -- Colorado Parks and Wildlife is trying to identify who illegally killed a bull elk and abandoned its carcass near Stafford Creek, about a mile from Interstate 70.

Wildlife officers estimate the bull was killed in early September.

They said only the head, antlers and a few portions of the hide were removed while the meat was abandoned.

Breckenridge District Wildlife Manager Sean Shepherd said shooting big game and leaving the meat to rot is a waste of Colorado's wildlife resources.

People with information are asked to call (877) 265-6648.

The poaching hotline is offering a $500 reward for information that leads to an arrest in this case.

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