Men face weapons charges after elk killed on Vancouver Island

GOLD RIVER, B.C. – Two men accused of shooting a bull elk and leaving its body behind on Vancouver Island face a list of firearms offences.

Nootka Sound Mounties and members of the B.C. conservation office were dispatched Monday after a report that an elk had been shot on a logging road near Gold River.

Police say they conducted a traffic stop after getting information from a witness who watched a vehicle leaving the area where an elk had been shot and abandoned.

Rampant poaching of Elk on Vancouver Island has been an increasing problem. Over 23 elk were poached between January 2013 and January 2015.

READ MORE: Elk poaching on Vancouver Island hurting long-term survival of herds

Two men face seven charges including careless use of a firearm, possession of a loaded, restricted weapon and unauthorized possession of a restricted firearm.

Thirty-four-year-old Xiao Wu and 51-year-old Song Zhang of Vancouver Island were released from custody and are expected to return to court in January.

Police say the investigation is continuing and further charges under the Wildlife Act are expected.