OSP to target Central Oregon mule deer poachers

The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division said Thursday it will be taking extra steps to protect mule deer on winter ranges in Eastern Oregon, along with a special emphasis in Central Oregon this year.

Troopers primarily from the La Pine, Bend,and Klamath Falls offices will be converging on deer winter ranges near the communities of Fort Rock and Silver Lake. The aircraft unit will also be making regular day and night flights to assist in locating suspicious activity on the ground.

Thanks to the generous donations by several sporting groups, Oregon State Police also have surveillance cameras to capture images of vehicles. “These cameras are often placed on roads that are used to gain access to the deer and in areas where we have had poaching problems in the past,” explains Sergeant Randall Hand.

The Central Oregon area is a popular destination for many people to go to see large mule deer bucks during their breeding season. Unfortunately some of these people kill the large buck deer for their trophy antlers. The public can help by promptly reporting any deer kills or making notes of suspicious persons or vehicles including license plate numbers if possible.

Illegal Hunting activity can be reported at the Turn In Poacher (TIP) Hotline at 1-800–452-7888 . The TIP Program is sponsored by the Oregon Hunters Association.