The local moose population doesn't seem to be doing too well this year.

"We have noticed that populations in the southeast have declined," explained Conservation Officer RIch Hildebrand. "And that in part will be from the tough long winter we had and ticks might play a part. The numbers seemed to have declined slightly and throw into that some illegal hunting it's always a concern."

"Back in April Estevan officers had received a call about a moose that had been shot about 11 km west of Benson. They investigated it and they found the head and legs of a moose. As well, it seems the cow was pregnant as a fetus was left there as well."

As the investigation continues, Hildebrand shared a bit about what officers are looking for.

"They're going to be looking to see if they can find any evidence if somebody dropped something, look to see if they can determine what kind of calibre of firearm that might have been used. Gathering any information from any possible witnesses. There are numerous things they can do and each situation is going to be slightly different." 

He also shared a few tips on what to do should you happen upon a moose.

"Keep your distance, especially if they do have young. Later on, in the fall they get into the mating season they can be aggressive if you get too close. Generally, moose are pretty leery of humans so you don't have to worry too much about that."

READ MORE: Moose Poaching Information Sought