Ep 3. Headless Elk

In Rugged Justice season 3 episode 3, titled "Headless Elk," viewers are taken on a thrilling ride as the officers of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division work tirelessly to bring justice to those who would harm animals and their habitats.

The episode begins with Officer Chris Moszeter patrolling the remote mountainous areas of eastern Washington during elk hunting season. He receives a call about a suspicious vehicle parked in a closed area. Upon arriving at the scene, he discovers fresh blood and hair alongside the road. Further investigation leads him to a nearby hunting camp where he uncovers a gut pile and a headless elk carcass.

Moszeter and his fellow officers, Sergeant Pam Taylor and Officer Shawn Nordahl, immediately begin to gather evidence and track down the responsible parties. They interview the hunters in the camp but none claim responsibility for killing the elk. Despite the uncooperative attitudes of some of the hunters, the officers persist in their efforts to uncover the truth.

Meanwhile, Officer Mike Cenci receives a call about a group of individuals illegally fishing in a restricted area. When he arrives on the scene, he discovers that one of the individuals has already fled. Cenci apprehends the remaining individuals and discovers that they have harvested over-limit fish and also possess drugs.

Back at the hunting camp, the officers continue to collect evidence and interview hunters who were in the area at the time of the killing. Their hard work pays off when they finally locate the missing head of the elk, which they hope will provide the necessary DNA evidence to convict the responsible party.

As the investigation intensifies, the officers realize that this case is much bigger than just one headless elk. They uncover a larger poaching ring that has been operating in the area for some time, taking advantage of the remote wilderness to cover their tracks.

With the help of the WDFW K9 unit, the officers are able to track down additional evidence and make more arrests. The poachers are finally brought to justice, and the officers are able to protect the elk population and preserve the natural beauty of the area for future generations.

Throughout the episode, viewers are given an inside look at the daily challenges faced by the officers of the WDFW Enforcement Division. They witness firsthand the dangers and difficulties of policing vast and remote natural areas, as well as the rewards that come with successfully protecting wildlife and their habitats.

Overall, "Headless Elk" is a thrilling episode that showcases the dedication and hard work of the WDFW officers as they strive to protect Washington's delicate ecosystem. It is an engaging and informative watch for anyone interested in wildlife conservation and law enforcement.