HOWARD, COLORADO – In a swift response to allegations and anonymous tips circulating on social media, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) officers arrested Howard resident Paul Stromberg, 52, on suspicion of illegally killing three bears—a mother and her two cubs. The incident took place on state trust land southeast of Salida, Colorado.
The CPW officers initiated the investigation following a series of reports and subsequently obtained a search warrant for Stromberg’s residence near Howard, Colorado. Evidence gathered during the search suggested that the bears had been shot early on Monday, September 25. Stromberg is facing multiple wildlife-related charges, including a felony count of illegal destruction of wildlife. Additional misdemeanor charges include unlawful killing of wildlife without a license and unlawful possession and waste of game meat.
Following the arrest, Stromberg was booked into Fremont County Jail and later released on a $10,000 bond pending formal charges. CPW has refrained from issuing further comments due to the ongoing nature of the investigation.
Penalties for illegal poaching activities can be severe. Charges range from harassment of wildlife and hunting big game without a license to illegal taking of wildlife and reckless endangerment. Convictions may result in fines and surcharges between $750 and $13,000, and potential imprisonment for up to six months, depending on the severity of the offense.
Anyone with further information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact CPW’s Salida office at 719-530-5520. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Operation Game Thief at 877-265-6648, by dialing #OGT from a Verizon cellphone, or by emailing game.thief@state.co.us. Rewards are available for information leading to an arrest or citation.
Lessons Learned and Tips for the Public
The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of ethical hunting and wildlife management practices. For those venturing into Colorado’s wilderness, it is essential to be informed of and abide by state wildlife laws and regulations. Understanding seasonal hunting licenses, adhering to ethical practices such as ‘fair chase,’ and knowing which species are protected are vital aspects of responsible wildlife management.
For the general public, if you witness or have information about illegal poaching or other wildlife violations, reporting it immediately can make a significant difference. Utilize hotlines like Operation Game Thief and communicate with local wildlife offices to protect our state’s rich biodiversity. Your vigilance could prevent future incidents of this nature and help preserve Colorado’s cherished natural resources.
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