Killing of elk in watershed under investigation

The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is asking for the public’s help to identify the person or persons responsible for the unlawful killing of a bull elk in the McMinnville Watershed west of Carlton.

The agency received information Monday, Nov. 16, that an elk had been killed two days earlier in the property that includes the McGuire reservoir along NW Nestucca Accress Rd. The watershed, owned by McMinnville Water & Light, is closed to public access. Hunting, fishing, camping and hiking is prohibited, and any unauthorized entry is subject to legal action, according to the Water & Light website.

Evidence at the scene indicates the involved knew the property was closed, state police said.

A trooper discovered that the person(s) did not harvest all the back strap or neck meat as required by law. The rib meat was also wasted.

A brown Jeep and blue Ford Explorer were seen in the area and may have been involved.

OSP is requesting that any person with information about this incident contact the Northern Command Center, 1-800-442-0776 and leave information for Trooper Tayler Jerome.

Individuals wishing to remain anonymous may also contact the OSP through the Turn in Poachers line at 1-800-452-7888 or *OSP (677). The TIP mail — TIP@state.or.us — is monitored 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The TIP program offers preference point rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful taking/possession or waste of big game mammals.