OSP seeks tips in Crook, Jefferson County elk poaching

Oregon State Police turned to the public Tuesday for help in solving a pair of recent elk poaching cases, in Crook and Jefferson County.

In the Crook County case, OSP Fish and Wildlife troopers are seeking the public’s assistance after a poached and/or unlawfully wasted bull elk was discovered on Nov. 19 beside state Highway 27 (the Crooked River Highway).

The elk was discovered by members of the Central Oregon Fly Fishers Club.

A preliminary investigation revealed the elk had been gutted. with hide removed. The bull was also decapitated. with none of the meat taken. The wasted elk was likely thrown out at that location the morning of November 19 or late evening of November 18, troopers said.

It is unlawful for to waste the edible portions of any elk.

A reward of up to $500 is offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction in this case. The reward is offered by the Oregon Hunters Association Turn-In-Poacher (TIP) program.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact OSP Senior Trooper Scott Vaughn through the TIP hotline at 1-800-452-7888 or email at scott.vaughn@state.or.us

In the Jefferson County incident, on Dec. 10, fish and wildlife troopers responded to the report of a deceased bull elk on Grizzly Road in between County Road 782 and Ramms Road.

Troopers believe the elk was shot Friday December 9 from Grizzly Road. There are active cow elk hunts in the area, but there were no bull elk hunts active at the time of incident.

A reward of up to $500 also is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction in this case, by the TIP program.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact OSP Senior Trooper Chuck Lindberg through the TIP hotline at 1-800-452-7888.