For the third time in several years, a man who keeps elk on a farm located in the Hunt Road area has had to report one of his animals had been shot.

Ronald Price reported the incident Sunday.

Bradley County Sheriff’s Office detectives have investigated two past incidences, but have come to no conclusion who the culprit may be, according to Capt. Brian Quinn.

Price is offering a hefty $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for committing the crime.

According to the original report filed by deputy Phillip Reagan, Price said someone could have wounded the bull elk between Monday and Sunday.

Price discovered the animal had been shot “just behind its left leg.”

According to Reagan, the animal was still alive Sunday when the report was filed, but appeared to be dying.

Price confirmed the animal would die from its injury.

Det. Kevin White said the area where the Elk are kept is surrounded by a high, chain-link fence.

The bull elk was valued at $5,000, according to Price.

Anyone having information regarding the shooting is encouraged to call the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division at 728-7311.