Rifle, antlers, meat confiscated after man arrested in poaching of bull elk in Douglas County

Oregon State Police have charged a 20-year-old Elkton man with poaching a bull elk in Douglas County.

On Sept. 2, a senior trooper responded to a report of a dead bull elk found in the 2800 block of Mehl Creek Road in Elkton. The animal’s head and meat had been removed, and officers determined that the elk had been shot by a rifle during the bow-hunting season.

An ensuing investigation revealed that Billman had shot the bull from the roadway with a .270 caliber rifle and then enlisted the help of three friends and family to pack it out.  Billman was cited on a charge of  Unlawful Take of Bull Elk and his rifle was seized along with the antlers and meat from the bull.

Authorities were able to salvage the meat, according to an OSP report. Two other individuals were cited on charges of aiding in a wildlife offense.

The public is asked to contact Oregon State Police fish and wildlife troopers if needing assistance or observing any unlawful activity. The Oregon State Police “TIP” line is monitored 24 hours a day with reported fish and wildlife violation information forwarded directly to troopers via the Oregon State Police Dispatch Centers.

Anyone with information regarding a violation is urged to contact the Turn in Poachers (TIP) hotline at 1-800-452-7888 or *OSP (mobile). TIP E-Mail: [email protected]