A Grays Harbor County man has been sentenced to over two years behind bars after being convicted on multiple charges related to illegal elk poaching, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced. Randolph "Randy" Cox, 28, faced a felony count for possessing a firearm and several misdemeanors for poaching and wastage of big game, including a misdemeanor for criminal trespassing.
According to the WDFW report, this case unfolded after Cox boasted to a hunter about illegal kills made before the official opening of the 2022 season; the hunter, who had been helping Cox with vehicle troubles at the time, promptly alerted authorities leading to an extensive investigation. Although WDFW officers initially struggled to locate Cox, eyewitnesses and ample evidence led to his arrest following various encounters where the stories he and his group provided did not line up with legal requirements or their own accounts, which became increasingly apparent upon questioning, his group's story featuring a patchwork of contradictions, inconsistencies that crumbled under the scrutiny of WDFW enforcement.
Cox ultimately admitted to the unlawful shooting after authorities found a four-by-four bull elk discarded by Cox's party along with the head of a spike bull; the rest of the animal's meat, however, could not be salvaged. "Officers worked closely with the Grays Harbor Prosecutor’s Office to reach a favorable outcome for the severity of the violations committed," stated the WDFW release. Beyond his prison sentence and fines, the Department is also pursuing a lifetime suspension of Cox's hunting privileges due to the nature of his offense.
Wildlife officials stress the importance of legal hunting, both as a means of conservation and to ensure the ethical treatment of animals, as illegal activities like those committed by Cox not only disrupt ecosystems by removing animals outside of designated seasons but also represent a disrespect for the life taken, wasting resources. The Department also emphasizes community cooperation, as in this case where vigilant citizens played an integral role in bringing these violations to light; another individual connected with the case faces pending charges as the WDFW continues its commitment to preserving wildlife for legitimate recreational and commercial pursuits.
