Elk harvested illegally west of Melfort earlier this month

CAUTION: This article contains graphic pictures that may be disturbing to some.

Conservation officers in Melfort are investigating the discovery of a spike bull and cow elk that were unlawfully harvested on private land without permission. 

The officers were called Sept. 5 about the elk that were discovered between the communities of Meskanaw and Ethelton, about 3 km south of Highway 41. 

The suspects dragged the elk behind a chunk of bush to avoid being detected, and officers believe the violation happened earlier that day or the day before.