Oregon authorities seek info after 5×5 bull elk was found dead in Gopher Valley.

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division troopers responded to the Gopher Valley area of Yamhill County on Monday, Oct. 12, to investigate the illegal killing of a 5x5 bull elk.

The incident occurred in a rural area roughly two miles east of Sheridan, where officers located the dead elk with wasted meat left behind.

Investigators believe the elk was killed elsewhere at the start of the Any Legal Weapon Western Deer season before being moved. The carcass appeared to have been dragged approximately 75 feet off the roadway into the brush.

The neck meat, head and antlers were left at the scene. State police reported that the animal's quarters and backstrap may have been removed with the hide still attached.

The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is asking anyone with information about the incident to contact the Turn-in-Poachers (TIP) line at 1-800-452-7888, email TIP@osp.oregon.gov or call *OSP (*677) from a mobile phone. Callers should reference case number SP26-334940.

The TIP program is a joint effort involving the Oregon State Police, Oregon Hunters Association, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Wildlife Coalition, Oregon Outfitter and Guides Association and the Oregon State Marine Board.

The program offers preference point rewards for information leading to an arrest or citation for the unlawful taking or waste of big game mammals. Informants can receive four preference points for cases involving elk, deer, pronghorn antelope, bear or cougar and five points for bighorn sheep, Rocky Mountain goat, moose or wolf.

Cash rewards are also available through partner organizations. The Oregon Hunters Association offers cash rewards including $1,000 for information regarding elk, deer or antelope, $2,000 for bighorn sheep, mountain goat or moose and $600 for bear, cougar or wolf.