The shooting of an endangered wedge-tailed eagle with a high-calibre rifle in Tasmania has been labelled "moronic" and "stupid".

Tasmania's Environment Department is appealing for public help after the shooting in Tasmania's north-east.

A post-mortem examination confirmed the bird, found by a member of the public near Priory, died after being shot in the leg two weeks ago.

The department's Luke Bond said it was a particularly serious incident given the eagle is listed as endangered.

"[It's] stupid, un-thought through, moronic behaviour ... and it's these types of actions which bring disrepute on law-abiding hunters and the legal firearm owners who endeavour to do the right thing," he said.

"The bullet actually went up and passed up through the thigh of the eagle so it probably carried that projectile for a period of time and probably died a very slow and painful death."

It is not clear what would have motivated the shooter.

"They're endangered as a result of this type of criminal behaviour," Mr Bond said.

"The eagle is one of our iconic species and the criminal actions of the perpetrators robs the state of its unique natural heritage which attracts thousands of people from around the world.

"A person who does this, needs to be identified and held accountable, which is why we are appealing to the public for assistance in this case."

The penalty for shooting eagles is $16,000.

"We'll make sure that, if we have sufficient evidence, that that person will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law," he said.

Mr Bond said the incident also put the public at risk.

"Our concern is not just the animal welfare issue of animals being randomly shot, but also the public safety issue as well," he said.

Police are also involved in the investigation.

Anyone with information should contact the department or Crime Stoppers.