OSP seeks help finding bow hunter who illegally killed bull elk

MAPLETON, Ore. -- Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife Division is asking for the public's help to identify the person(s) responsible for the illegal kill of a 4-point bull elk in the Alsea unit near Mapleton.  A reward of up to $500 is offered by the Oregon Hunter's Association for information leading to an arrest and conviction in this case.

At 8 AM Saturday, OSP Sgt. Lowell Lea and Senior Trooper Scott Salisbury responded to a complaint of an injured 4-point bull elk lying on the shoulder of Highway 126W near milepost 10 at the intersection with USFS Road 2610 (David Ridge Road). Upon arrival they found a bull elk with a fresh arrow wound in its side. The animal died, but troopers were able to salvage the meat and donated it to charity.

Evidence collected at the scene indicated the bull elk had been shot as it stood on the highway shoulder. Witnesses told troopers the bull was seen with a herd of elk feeding on the side of the highway at about 4:30 a.m.  The reporting person found the injured bull elk at 7:30 a.m.

The Alsea unit is currently open to the bow hunting of cow elk and is closed to the hunting of bull elk.

Oregon State Police is interested in any information to help with this investigation, including the description of any vehicles seen parked at that location between the hours of 4:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m.

Anyone with information is asked to call Senior Trooper Salisbury at (541) 997-9635 ext. 33 or the Turn in Poacher (TIP) number at 1-800-452-7888.