DENVER, COLORADO – A three-year poaching investigation across multiple states has concluded with three Colorado men facing significant fines and hunting suspensions, according to a press release from Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). The investigation, which spanned Jefferson and Adams counties, uncovered widespread illegal hunting activities involving baiting wildlife, hunting out of season, and fraudulently obtaining resident hunting licenses.
Jeffrey Flaherty, 58, pled guilty to 13 misdemeanors, including the illegal possession of big game, hunting elk out of season, and baiting wildlife. He was fined $42,787.22 and placed on supervised probation for two years, which limits his ability to hunt or fish in Colorado. His hunting privileges face a five-year suspension through a separate CPW hearing, which would extend to 48 other states under the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact.
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Flaherty’s 27-year-old son, Andrew Flaherty, also pled guilty to three misdemeanors, including hunting a bull elk with bait and out of season. He was fined $3,646.19 and could face a five-year suspension of his hunting and fishing licenses.
A third defendant, Kenneth Curtis, 75, was fined $1,646.50 for baiting bears and failing to wear proper safety gear while hunting. His hunting privileges were suspended for one year.
CPW’s investigation began in 2021 when Officer Scott Murdoch noticed inconsistencies in the residency claims of the Flaherty family while reviewing Colorado hunting license applications. Surveillance and search warrants revealed that Jeffrey Flaherty, though claiming Colorado residency, held a Florida driver’s license, registered his vehicles in Florida, and voted there in the 2020 election.
Trail cameras placed around the Flaherty property in Conifer captured illegal baiting of wildlife with hay, alfalfa, and corn. The footage also showed the illegal harvesting of mule deer and text messages detailing an out-of-season elk hunt. Curtis, who occasionally maintained the property, admitted to using game meat and pumpkins to bait bears.
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“This case illustrates the dedication of our wildlife officers in protecting Colorado’s wildlife from illegal exploitation,” said CPW Area Wildlife Manager Mark Lamb. “These individuals were poachers, not hunters. Hunters abide by the law and respect the animals they pursue.”
CPW thanked the Jefferson and Adams County District Attorneys for their role in the prosecution. Additional charges against other family members involved were dismissed as part of Jeffrey Flaherty’s plea deal.
Anyone with information about illegal hunting activities is encouraged to anonymously report tips to Operation Game Thief at 1-800-COLO-OGT.
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