OSP: Four charged in La Pine deer poaching case

Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife troopers in Deschutes and Klamath counties have arrested a La Pine man and three others, including his parents, in a recent mule deer poaching case, the agency said Tuesday.

In mid- December , Senior Troopers James Hayes and Darin Bean received information that Gene A. Parsons, 37, of La Pine, had been involved in the illegal killing of a large number of mature trophy class mule deer bucks last fall, said OSP Lt. Josh Brooks.

The troopers initiated an investigation, gathering information and evidence over the next several weeks, Brooks said.

On January 17 , a search warrant was executed at Parsons’ home in La Pine. During the raid, numerous large mule deer antlers, deer meat, firearms and controlled substances were seized.

Parsons was arrested and lodged in the Deschutes County Jail on charges of unlawful taking and possession of mule deer, with with additional charges pending.

Additional information developed during the raid led troopers to identify another suspect, Lance Cournoyer, 44, of Grants Pass. Further investigation led to charges against Cournoyer of felon in possession of a firearm, two counts of unlawful taking of mule deer, and waste of a game mammal.

Parsons’ parents, Oliver Parsons, 64, and Suzan Parsons, 58, also of La Pine, were found in possession of six sets of large mule deer antlers and deer meat, Brooks said. They were and released for the crimes of aiding in a game violation, illegal possession of mule deer and tampering with evidence.

The investigation is ongoing, Brooks said, and more charges are pending.

Anyone with information concerning the case is asked to contact Senior Trooper Hayes at 541-419-1653 .

The OSP Fish and Wildlife Division wants to remind folks about the Oregon Hunters Association Turn-in-Poachers (TIP) program, in which callers who report wildlife crimes to police may be eligible for a reward if the information leads to the apprehension and conviction of wildlife offenders.

Anyone with information about wildlife offenses is asked to call (800) 452-7888 ; and additional information may be found at http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/FW/Pages/fwtip.aspx