OSP seeks tips in 2 C.O. deer poaching cases

Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife troopers sought the public’s help Friday to identify whoever is responsible for the recent illegal takings of two trophy mule deer in Deschutes and Jefferson counties.

On Saturday, Dec. 2, OSP was notified of a mule deer found south of Pine Mountain in eastern Deschutes County. OSP Fish and Wildlife troopers responded and found the buck deer on BLM land in Kotzman Basin.

The animal had been shot with only the head and back straps taken, and the rest of it was left to waste. Investigation revealed the deer was most likely killed around October 29, troopers said.

The next day, Sunday, Dec. 3, OSP was notified of a second mule deer that was found dead in the Three Rivers community, near Lake Billy Chinook in Jefferson County.

The evidence at the scene revealed the deer was most likely shot by a center fire rifle at an unknown location, and later died in the yard of one of the residents.

At this time, troopers believe the two incidents are not related.

A reward of up to $500 is offered for information leading to the issuance of a citation to a person(s), or and arrest made in this case. The reward is comprised of $500 from the Oregon Hunters Association Turn-In-Poacher (TIP) program.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact OSP Senior Trooper Scott Sogge or Senior Trooper Aaron Roth through the Turn in Poachers (TIP) hotline at 1-800-452-7888 or 541-388-6213.

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators

Poaching wildlife and damaging habitats affects present and future generations of wildlife, impacts communities and the economy, and creates enforcement challenges.

The Turn-In-Poachers (TIP) reward is paid for information leading to the arrest/conviction of person(s) for the illegal possession, killing, taking, and/or waste of deer, elk, antelope, bear, cougar, wolf, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, moose, furbearers and/or game birds.

TIP rewards can also be given for the illegal taking, netting, snagging, and/or dynamiting of salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, and/or large numbers of any fish listed in Oregon statute as a game fish.

In addition, a reward may be issued for information that results in an arrest/conviction of a person who has illegally obtained Oregon hunting/angling license or tags. People who “work” the system and falsely apply for resident licenses and/or tags are not legally hunting and/or angling and are considered poachers.

Increasing damage to wildlife habitat by off-road vehicles prompted the Oregon Hunters Association in 2009 to create the Natural Resources Reward Program that offers a $300 reward for information leading to the arrest of anyone causing natural resources damage by the illegal use of motorized vehicles and is similar to its highly successful TIP program.

* $1,000 Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat and Moose

* $500 Elk, Deer and Antelope

* $300 Bear, Cougar and Wolf

* $300 Habitat Destruction

* $100 Game Fish and Shellfish

* $100 Upland Birds and Waterfowl

* $100 Furbearers

How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity:

TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 (24/7)