More than 10 investigations into moose killed by hunters without moose permits have occurred this season so far, Division of Wildlife officials said.

The fall rifle seasons are at their halfway points, and so far, DOW officials have investigated 10 cases of hunters carelessly or negligently shooting moose. Colorado issues about 150 moose licenses annually, with a lifetime bag limit of one.

Out of more than 250,000 hunters who take to the field each fall in Colorado, the total number of violations is low, officials noted.

Nonetheless, they’re urging hunters to be 100 percent sure that what’s in the sight matches what’s on the hunting license.

A DOW news release says that years of education have been poured into moose reintroduction efforts, but some hunters still claim they’re surprised to see the large animals in areas where elk and deer are common. Yet, officials say that’s no excuse.

Most of the investigated cases have been situations were a cow elk has been confused with a cow moose. But two hunters have mistakenly shot bull moose, the news release said. One hunter faces charges that could mean more than $14,000 in fines and the certainty of a license suspension hearing, the release said.

And to leave the carcass behind means stricter penalties.

“Abandonment of a carcass could bring felony charges, incarceration and the permanent loss of hunting privileges in Colorado and 34 other states that participate in the Wildlife Violator Compact,” the release said.

Hunters should own up to the mistake, the release said. The meat will be donated and penalties should be less than for hunters who officials must track down.

For more information or to report suspicious activity, call (877) 265-6648. Callers can remain anonymous.

Go online to learn about moose and elk at http://bit.ly/9ufUlB or http://bit.ly/a1BolV.

– By Janice Kurbjun