Illegally killed bull elk left to waste; $500 reward offered

A large bull elk was illegally killed and left to waste in the area outside North Bend, the Oregon State Police said Friday.

OSP Fish and Wildlife Division Troopers discovered the carcass Friday on Menasha Timber land outside the Oregon Coast town along Shutter Creek Road.

The only thing taken from the elk were its backstraps. The right hindquarter was skinned out but was not taken and the remainder of the meat — virtually the entire animal — was left to waste, police said.

Investigation revealed that the bull elk was killed on Wednesday or Thursday. Elk season for this area does not open until Nov. 14.

OSP is offering a $500 reward for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Trooper Ryan Keeler at 541-888-2677 ext. 243 or the TIP hotline at 1-800-452-7888.