Poaching Cases in 2 Counties, Oct. 26

The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying the subject(s) involved in two separate poaching cases involving elk. CLACKAMAS COUNTY – On October 15, 2015, the Oregon State Police responded to a call about a wasted elk that was found in the Santiam Unit on Weyerhaeuser Timber property, off Wildcat Mountain Drive in Estacada. Investigation revealed that the bull elk was killed between the days of October 10-13, 2015. The only thing taken from the bull elk was the head/antlers, the right front quarter, rear quarter and backstraps. The left side of the elk, including the left front and rear quarters were wasted. Investigation also revealed that the elk was most likely a large bull elk, killed with a rifle during a closed season. TILLAMOOK COUNTY – On October 23, 2015, Oregon State Troopers responded to Ekloff Road just East of Netarts where a branch bull elk was reported as being shot and left to waste. Upon arrival, Troopers found a 3X5 bull elk that was located in a clear cut visible from the roadway. The bull elk had been illegally taken and over half the elk was left to waste. Elk hunting was prohibited in this area on the day of the incident. A $500 reward offered by the Oregon Hunters Association Turn in Poachers (TIP) fund is being offered in these cases for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible. Anyone with information is asked to contact the OSP Northern Command Center at 503-375-3555 or the TIP hotline at 1-800-452-7888.