Poaching on the Central Coast, March 16

The Oregon State Police (OSP) Fish and Wildlife Division in Newport is asking for the public’s help locating the person(s) responsible for the unlawful killing and waste of two bull elk in Lincoln County. On Wednesday, March 4, 2015, Newport OSP Fish and Wildlife Troopers received a complaint of two dead bull elk floating in the Siletz River about three quarters of a mile upriver from Strome Park. The following morning, both of the bull elk were located. One bull was identified as a 5×6 and the other was as a 5×5. Both were shot and left to waste with no meat removed from the carcasses. The elk were not salvageable, and it appeared the elk had only been dead for a few days. A total reward of up to $6,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction related to the investigation. A $1,000 reward is being offered by The Oregon Hunters Association Turn-In-Poacher program. An additional $5,000 reward is being offered by The Humane Society of the United States and the Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact Sr. Trooper Ryan Kehr or Sergeant Todd Thompson through the Turn in Poachers hotline at 1-800-452-7888. Information may be kept anonymous.