WDFW Police are investigating after someone shot a spike bull elk with birdshot and left it to waste near Three Forks Park in North Bend. (WDFW Police)
NORTH BEND, Wash. — An illegal elk shooting near North Bend is under investigation after someone shot a spike bull elk with birdshot and left the animal to waste near Three Forks Park, according to Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Police.
“WDFW Police seek the public’s assistance to help in identifying the person(s) responsible for unlawfully shooting and wasting a spike bull elk near Three Forks Park, in North Bend King County,” WDFW Police said in. statement.
Investigators say the shooting happened during the early morning hours of Feb. 27. The elk was found near 428th Avenue Southeast outside North Bend.
Officers say someone shot the animal at close range with a shotgun loaded with birdshot. The suspect then left the elk where it fell.
Illegal waste of wildlife under investigation
Washington law requires hunters to salvage usable meat from big game animals. However, the person responsible left the elk to waste.
As a result, WDFW Police opened an investigation into the unlawful killing.
Spike bulls are young male elk with single, unbranched antlers. While hunters may harvest them during legal seasons, officers say the circumstances in this case suggest illegal activity.
Meanwhile, wildlife officers say waste-of-game violations damage conservation efforts and undermine lawful hunting.
Authorities ask for tips
Investigators now ask anyone who may have seen suspicious activity near Three Forks Park or along 428th Avenue Southeast around Feb. 27 to come forward.
People can report information by:
• Calling 360-902-2936 (option 1)
• Visiting the WDFW violations reporting website
• Texting WDFWTIP to 847411
Officials say tips that lead to an arrest may qualify for a cash reward or bonus points for special permit hunting opportunities.
Authorities encourage anyone with information to report it, even if the detail seems minor.
While lawful Washington state hunters harvest around 5,000 elk each year, poaching is a persistent problem involving illegal shooting, killing without tags, and wasting wildlife.
About the Author
