Dead Elk Has Tale To Tell: Helps Authorities Find Poacher

GAYLORD, Mich. (AP) - A store receipt discovered in the remains of an elk has helped authorities solve a poaching case in northern Michigan.

The Department of Natural Resources says a Jackson County man has confessed to killing the male elk last fall in Otsego County. Investigators cracked the case with some unusual evidence.

Lt. Jim Gorno says a receipt for a gift card from a Detroit-area grocery store was found in the elk's entrails, which were dumped in five places. He says interviews based on that receipt led investigators to a man who knew the identity of the shooter.

Gorno says the Otsego County prosecutor is considering charges. It's hard to get an elk license. Thousands of hunters apply but only 100 were granted last year.

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