Two Bulls Shot in Testicles in Duchesne County

A reward of up to $20,000 is now available for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the shooting of two breeding bulls in Duchesne County, Utah. The bulls, owned by rancher Treven Jensen, survived the injuries but may never breed again, according to local officials.

Jensen discovered the injured animals on Friday after returning from a hunting trip. He initially suspected dogs had entered his pasture, a common occurrence in the region. It was not until a veterinarian examined the cattle that the cause of the wounds was identified as gunshot injuries. Both bulls were shot through their reproductive organs.

Duchesne County Sheriff’s Capt. John Crowley said authorities are investigating the incidents as crimes but have no suspects, no recovered bullets, and no clear motive. The shootings were reported on November 6, though they may have occurred days earlier. The animals are located deep within private property, far from public roads.

Jay Burton, a county brand inspector and neighbor of Jensen, noted that the bulls were not near any road. He believes the shooter used a small-caliber firearm at close range. Burton said the effort required to reach the animals suggests the incident may be personal, though investigators have not confirmed this theory.

The injuries have drawn attention from Wyoming ranchers, where breeding bulls represent a major financial investment. State Sen. Ogden Driskill, R-Devils Tower, described the act as a form of animal cruelty that destroys the economic value of the livestock. He stated that shooting a bull in the testicles renders it worth the same as hamburger.

This is not the first cattle shooting in the area. In October, a bull owned by Wade Heaton’s father-in-law was shot about 20 miles east of Jensen’s ranch. That bullet passed through the animal but missed vital organs, allowing it to survive. Burton said five calves were also shot and killed about a year ago, roughly five miles from Jensen’s property.

Wildlife officials recovered bullets from the calves killed last year, preserving evidence that could link the incidents. Crowley said investigators have considered whether a hunter was responsible, particularly because one recent shooting occurred near a national forest boundary. However, no evidence has been found to support this possibility.

Under Utah law, intentionally injuring livestock can result in felony charges. If the value of the animals exceeds $5,000, the offense is a second-degree felony, punishable by one to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Crowley encouraged ranchers to install surveillance cameras and report suspicious activity, noting that covering rural areas is difficult.

Burton said the frequency of these incidents is changing how ranchers view neighbors and passersby. He expressed concern that the community is moving away from a tradition of trust toward a more vigilant approach. He stated that if cattle continue to be shot, ranchers will need to know who is on their property and who is not.