Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Police are asking for help from the public to identify those involved in a “spree shooting” of two elk and a deer in Cowlitz County.
The shootings are believed to have occurred on the night of Friday, Dec. 6.
According to a news release, officers believe the individuals were involved in multiple shootings along Highway 503 near the towns of Ariel and Cougar.
WDFW officers received a report on the night of Dec. 6 of a firearm being discharged from a truck near Yale Park in Cougar. Officers responded and found a dead deer in the park.
The following day, on Dec. 7, someone reported two dead elk in a field near the Cowlitz County Fire Station in Ariel. Officers determined they were also most likely killed on the evening of Dec. 6, according to the news release.
“Officers are looking for the owner of a light-colored 2000 to 2010 Chevrolet crew cab or extended cab truck involved in the shooting,” WDFW Police stated in the news release. “Officers are also looking for two men who recovered one of the dead elk from the field near Cowlitz County Fire Station on Saturday, Dec. 7, around 9 a.m. They were driving a similar vehicle description of a light-colored Chevy 1500 truck.”
Anyone with information about the poaching is encouraged to call WDFW Police at 360-902-2936, visit the department’s website at wdfw.wa.gov or text WDFWTIP to 847411.
“Those who provide information leading to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward or bonus points for special permit hunting opportunities,” the news release stated.
