The elk's head and backstrap meat taken, rest left to rot

Illegal poaching, depending on the animal, can land the suspect in jail.

WDFW looking for who killed a large bull elk near Sherman Pass

The carcass was discovered not long ago, the WDFW estimates the animal was killed around October 1st.

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Officials are looking for any leads to catch the person, or persons, who illegally killed the large bull elk in Ferry County, in remote north central WA.

The animal's head and backstraps were taken, the rest of the elk, including the meat, estimated to be around 600 lbs at least, was left to rot.

Backstraps are the leanest meat on an elk, prized for their taste, which is less 'gamey' than the rest of the animal. If convicted, a suspect can get up to $7,000 in fines and jail time.

WDFW and authorities recen