Troopers Ask For Info On 3 Elk Wasted In Northcentral Oregon

Three elk killed and left wholly or partially to waste in Northcentral Oregon the past two months have state wildlife troopers asking the public for tips to help solve the cases, according to news releases out today.

Troopers say that on October 4 they responded to a report of a dead bull elk in a Umatilla County field along Highway 74 about 4 miles west of the junction with US 395 west of Pilot Rock.

“The investigation determined the bull was killed approximately 100 yards from the highway with a single gunshot wound to the head, then left to waste,” the Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division reports.

Anyone with info is asked to call the poaching hotline, 800-452-7888, text *OSP (*677) or email TIP@osp.oregon.gov and reference case number SP23318278.

Troopers are also looking for tips on whomever recently left two partially butchered cow elk to waste in dry streambed near Lexington, roughly an hour or so west of where the bull was shot and left, in Morrow County.

“Due to the recent cold weather, it is believed the elk may have been killed in the past week,” OSP reported.

Informants are asked to use the same contacts as above but reference case number SP23376327.

Under Oregon law, wastage is defined as leaving edible portions of big game behind. On elk, that includes the front quarters down to the knees, hindquarters down to the hocks, backstrap and other back meat, tenderloins and the neck meat.