ODFW release -   YAMHILL COUNTY, Ore. (15 Oct. 2026) – On October 12, 2026, the Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division responded to the Gopher Valley area of Yamhill County to investigate the unlawful take of a bull elk. Gopher Valley is a rural area approximately two miles east of Sheridan.  Fish and Wildlife troopers located a deceased 5x5 bull elk with wasted meat left behind. The killing of the elk is believed to have occurred during the start of the Any Legal Weapon Western Deer season. The elk appeared to have been dragged about 75 feet off the roadway into the brush. The neck meat, head, and antlers were left behind. The elk is believed to have been killed somewhere other than where the remains were left. The quarters and backstrap may have been taken with the hide still attached to them.  Anyone with information is asked to contact the Turn-in-Poachers (TIP) line at 1-800-452-7888 or [email protected]. Tips may also be called in to *OSP (*677) on a mobile phone. Please reference case number SP26-334940.