Search continues for those responsible in elk poaching case; reward offered

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Officers for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife continue to look for those responsible for shooting a herd of elk near Ellensburg last month, and $9,000 in reward money is being offered.

On Nov. 6, four calves and a full-grown cow were discovered by two hunters in Schnebly Canyon. The animals were killed illegally in violation of area hunting rules.

>> Related: Herd of elk left to rot called ‘egregious poaching’

Wildlife enforcement Captain Bob Weaver did not have specifics on the investigation but said the reward fund improves the department’s chances of catching those responsible.

"This is one of the worst poaching cases I've ever seen, and the reward money provides a big incentive for people to come forward and tell us what they know about it," he said.

The most recent pledge came from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, which is offering $5,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case. Previously, the Northwest Chapter of Safari Club International offered a $1,000 reward, while Conservation Northwest pledged $3,000. The department is offering 10 bonus points for special permit hunts to anyone providing information.

According to Weaver, the person or persons responsible could be charged with a class C felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. He noted that poachers found guilty in these cases often face civil penalties, including the value of the elk.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Department of Fish and Wildlife’s poaching hotline at 877-933-9847 or text tips to WDFWTIP and report and send them to 847411.

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