Alaska Wildlife Troopers Charge Pair in Illegal Moose Harvest

On January 12, 2026, charges were filed against two men who were reported to have taken a moose during closed season, stemming from a report and investigation that began back in September.

On September 18, 2025 Alaska Wildlife Troopers received a report that two hunters, identified as Andrew Elliott, 36, of Wasilla and Billy Casteel, age 47, also from Wasilla, were believed to be sneaking out a boned out moose from the Eureka area, approximately 60 miles west of Glennallen. It is unlawful to take the meat off the bone in the field in that game management unit.

The two hunters were intercepted by Troopers later that night near the Glenn Highway. Following an extensive investigation, it was ultimately revealed that the men harvested a sub-legal moose, didn't salvage the antlers due to the sub-legal nature of the antlers, cut the meat off the bone, and concealed it all from view in order to get the meat out of the field undetected. Trooper seized their ATVs, meat, and rifles.

In addition to the charge of Take Moose Closed Season, Elliot and Casteel have also been charged with Unlawful Possession and Transport of Big Game, and Failure to Leave Moose Meat Naturally Attached to the Bone. Elliott was also charged with Failure to Salvage the Moose Antlers in an Antler Restricted Hunt, all of which are Class A Misdemeanors.

Taking a moose out of season can carry penalties like substantial fines (thousands of dollars), jail time (up to a year or more), loss of hunting/fishing licenses, and forfeiture of gear (vehicles, guns), with penalties increasing for wanton waste or repeat offenses.