Reward increased to catch person who shot female elk

ESTACADA, Ore. -- The Humane Society of the United States and The Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust are offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for illegally shooting a female elk and leaving the animal injured east of Estacada five days ago.  The offer is in addition to an existing reward of $500 offered by the Oregon Hunter's Association.  The public's help is key to identify the suspect(s) responsible for in this case.

According to OSP Sergeant Chris Allori, on March 13, 2010 at approximately 5:45 p.m. OSP Fish & Wildlife troopers Ken Moore and Matthew Fromme responded to a report of an injured elk along Squaw Mountain Road about two miles north of Highway 224.    When they arrived at the scene they found the shot elk alive, lying on the ground and unable to get up.

The troopers had to kill the elk at the scene.  They transported the elk to Shy Ann Meats in Oregon City for processing and subsequent donation to the Portland Rescue Mission.  The donated elk meat is estimated at over 300 pounds.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Turn In Poacher (TIP) line at (800) 452-7888 or Senior Trooper Moore at (503) 731-3020 ext. 423.