A 14-year-old girl from Missouri, Abby Wilson, mistakenly shot a protected elk during a hunting trip with her father. The incident occurred during Missouri’s deer season, where they were legally hunting, but elk are protected in that area. Abby’s father, Don White, contacted the Missouri Department of Conservation after realizing their mistake.

Conservation agent Adam Doerhoff initially had doubts about it being an elk until he received a clear photo from White. It was indeed an elk, an unusual sight in Boone County, far from the wild elk herd reintroduced in other counties.

Since the incident gained online attention, Abby has faced online bullying and criticism. Her father, Don White, defended her, stating that they would accept any fines and consequences. He hoped to keep the elk’s meat and antlers for family and friends, but the conservation department indicated they wouldn’t return any parts of the elk. If the meat is disease-free, it may be donated to needy families.

Online users debated whether Abby should be punished for the incident, with some emphasizing that shooting a protected species is illegal, regardless of age or ignorance, while others expressed empathy but believed fines were justified.