Herd of shot elk left to rot called ‘egregious poaching'

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is investigating the slaughter of a small herd of elk near Ellensburg.

Hunters across the Puget Sound are angered over the at least four calves and one cow that were killed and left to rot.

The shooting left the animals dead on November 6, which is the last day of rifle elk season, according to Northwest Sportsman Magazine.

“I’ve only been doing this for three years, but this is the worst I’ve seen so far. Who knows how many more are out there,” Officer Roman Varyvoda said. “As a hunter, it makes my blood boil.”

No attempt was made to harvest meat or antlers, according to WDFW

Central Washington game wardens are looking for tips that lead them to those responsible for shooting up a herd of elk.

A $4,000 reward has been offered. Northwest Sportsman Magazine writes that the Northwest Chapter of Safari Club International is offering a $1,000 reward, and Conservation Northwest has put forward $3,000 for information that leads to a conviction in this case.

"Agencies, conservation groups and individuals work hard to support healthy wildlife populations in our state," Chase Gunnell, deputy communications manager at CNW, told Northwest Sportsman Magazine. "When this kind of egregious poaching happens the culprits need to be held responsible. Personally, I spent six days hunting the backcountry this year and didn't fill my elk tag. To hear about this wanton waste is especially infuriating."

WDFW is offering 10 Bonus Points to anyone who provides information that leads to an arrest.

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