Aspen local charged with poaching bull moose in Upper Fryingpan Valley

Editor’s note: Unless individuals hold positions of public trust or there is imminent danger of harm to the public (e.g., active shooter) or there is an exceptional circumstance, suspects arrested/charged will not be named/identified until there is a conviction or a plea deal is taken. The suspect in this case represented a nature/wellness organization.

Aspen resident Reuben Sadowsky faces charges from Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) for poaching a bull moose during September archery season in the Upper Fryingpan Valley. 

“This was a poor decision, and I take responsibility,” Sadowsky said. “This is something I am regretful of. I am paying the fees that have been determined so I can repair relationships in the community.”

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Sadowsky, a co-founder of Beyul Retreat, a nature and wellness organization near Meredith, has stepped down.

Sadowsky, who claims to be relatively new to bowhunting, described how the incident unfolded.

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“At the very end of the season, at the end of two weeks, I split off from my group and came across two young moose,” he said. “I had a tag for a bull elk and spent a while deliberating whether to pursue taking the moose, which I unfortunately did. I took the shot and put the animal down.”

He said exhaustion and the desire to return home with meat clouded his judgment. After two days of reflection, Sadowsky said he obtained legal counsel and turned himself in.

CPW Basalt District Wildlife Manager Peter Boyatt, however, revealed that an anonymous tip was submitted to CPW’s Operation Game Thief hotline a day before Sadowsky’s lawyer contacted officials.

“Someone anonymously turned him in a day before he turned himself in,” Boyatt said. “This case is working its way through the court system right now, so I cannot release many details about it. But basically, a young bull moose was poached during archery season, and we investigated based on the anonymous report.”

Sadowsky acknowledged he was aware of the tip but claimed he learned about it only after coming forward.

The Aspen Times also received an anonymous tip alleging that “Sadowsky is being fined $20,000 and that the case could escalate to a felony if evidence suggests he hid or buried the carcass. So far, only the meat has been turned over to authorities.” 

CPW has not confirmed this information.

Boyatt emphasized that the act appeared deliberate.

“I have to be cautious with what I say, but what I can say is that this was a deliberate act of poaching,” he said.

The case remains under investigation, with details about the incident and report expected to be made public after court proceedings conclude. 

Sadowsky has been issued a citation, which includes points against his hunting and fishing privileges, according to the CPW.

A court hearing is scheduled for Dec. 17 in Pitkin County Court.