Boulder ex-officers plead not guilty in elk death

Two former Boulder police officers accused of illegally shooting a trophy elk on New Year’s Day have pleaded not guilty.

The Boulder Daily Camera reports Sam Carter and Brent Curnow entered their pleas Friday. Each faces charges including illegal possession of a trophy elk.

Carter is accused of shooting and killing the elk while on duty. Curnow is accused of picking up the carcass. Both have resigned from the force.

Carter claimed he shot the elk because it was injured, but an examination found no signs the animal was hurt before it was killed.

Both men are scheduled to stand trail the week of Oct. 14. Attorneys are expected to file a motion to try both cases as one. They expect the trial to last about two weeks.