Ohthatguy Report post Posted June 8, 2020 While this story is 13 years old, it just goes to show ya, the more things change... Guides helping hunters, hunters shooting elk in areas where you shouldn't be hunting and even Shawn Wagner thrown in for good measure. PINETOP - During a meeting of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission, Michigan businessman Michael Malik was reprimanded for shooting a trophy-quality bull elk too close to homes without homeowner permission. Malik appeared before the commission at its December meeting in Casa Grande. After hearing his statement, the commission voted to civilly assess Malik $14,995 for the state's loss of the 408-point, velvet-antlered elk.The commission also revoked his hunting, fishing and trapping privileges in Arizona for five years. Malik must successfully complete a hunter education course prior to having his license privileges restored.The commission's action to revoke Malik's license for five years has far-reaching implications. Arizona is a member of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact with 27 other states, including all western states and Malik's home state of Michigan. Until his license privileges are restored in Arizona, he will not be able to legally hunt in any of those 27 states. In the early hours of July 26, 2007, Malik, assisted by four companions including well-known Arizona elk guide John McClendon, shot, wounded and eventually killed the bull in a privately-owned meadow in the Morgan Flat area east of Pinetop. While on patrol, Game and Fish Wildlife Manager Shawn Wagner heard the initial shot and responded to investigate. He found the Malik hunting party and wounded bull in close proximity to several occupied houses where the property owners were quite displeased with Malik hunting and shooting near their homes. Wagner determined the homeowners had not been approached nor had they granted permission for Malik to hunt on their property. Wagner seized the bull and cited Malik for shooting violations. Shooting a firearm within a quarter-mile of an occupied building while taking wildlife without permission from the owner is a Class 2 misdemeanor. Malik paid $135,000 at an auction for Arizona's 2006-2007 "special" elk tag at a Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation annual convention. Special tag holders have the added privilege of pursuing their designated big game for one full year. After several pre-trial conferences and continuances, Malik was found guilty in the Pinetop Justice Court on Aug. 29 of discharging a firearm within the quarter-mile limit of occupied residences while taking elk. He was sentenced to eight hours of community service. The criminal conviction authorized the commission to take civil action against Malik. "This incident is more a private property and public safety violation than it is a wildlife crime," said Jim Hinkel, law enforcement program manager at Game and Fish's Pinetop office. "The court and commission decisions are a strong reminder to all hunters about the importance of hunter awareness and safety and respecting the rights of private property owners and rural residents." The department donated the edible portions of the elk carcass to Shepherd's Kitchen, a charitable organization in Snowflake. The antlers and cape remain in custody of the department pending the outcome of an appeal to the Pinetop Justice Court decision by Malik and his attorney. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
