Conservation officials are trying to find whoever illegally shot and killed two bull elk in an area of northwestern Minnesota that holds the state's smallest herd and has been closed to hunting since 2012.

"Our investigation found that these elk had been shot and left," said Lt. Pat Znajda, a supervisor with the Enforcement Division of the state Department of Natural Resources. "The illegal killing of these bulls chips away at the outdoor heritage valued by law-abiding people in this state."

Wildlife officials spotted the dead animals in late February on state land during an aerial elk survey. A bull and a younger bull were found in thick willow cover. Both animals were frozen and had been dead for some time, the DNR said.

"The discovery of two dead bull elk is disturbing," said John Williams, DNR northwest region wildlife manager. "These bulls represented about 10 percent of the known Grygla herd. Due to the decline of this herd, the causes of which are unknown, there has not been a hunting season since fall of 2012."

Anyone with information about the illegal shooting of the two bulls can call the DNR's Turn In Poachers (TIP) hot line at 1-800-652-9093.

There are three distinct elk herds in northwestern Minnesota, which comprise the state's entire elk population. The Grygla herd has declined in recent years and is currently estimated at 18 elk, down from the 20 last year and 28 in 2013.

"This herd had already been in decline before this incident, and there is no indication the decline has been caused by disease," Williams said. "From 2006 to 2009, wildlife managers counted more than 50 elk in this herd. In 2009, the population goal range for this herd was set at 30 to 38 animals, and hunting had brought the herd within that range following the last hunting season in 2012."

Elk are managed to maintain a free-ranging, wild population in far northwestern Minnesota. These herds afford recreational and economic opportunities, including wildlife watching and hunting seasons when their populations can sustain a hunt.

The DNR is in the process of updating a strategic management plan for elk, which will include a public input process before it is finalized. The plan will address population goals, landowner concerns about crop damage, and opportunities to hunt and view elk.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482