OSP reports poaching spike in Central Oregon

BEND, Ore. (AP) — Oregon State Police say they have seen a spike in poaching in some parts of Central Oregon just days into the elk hunting season.

The Bulletin reports (https://is.gd/Ix1GAo ) that Senior trooper Greg Love, who patrols La Pine, Sunriver, southern Deschutes County and northern Klamath County, says since the elk season started Saturday there have already been five reports of poaching in his district. He says a typical season has two cases.

Also a problem is mule deer poaching. Love says an average year sees as many as four poached deer, but this year there have been at least 10 instances of poaching.

OSP Sgt. Lowell Lea, who oversees all of Central Oregon, says he hasn’t checked the numbers but that he feels this year isn’t above average. Regardless, he says poaching is a serious issue.