13 Oregonians Suspected Of Illegally Using Thermal Imaging Devices To Kill Big Game

THE FOLLOWING ARE PRESS RELEASES FROM THE OREGON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE, AND OREGON STATE POLICE

ODFW

High-tech poaching emerged in Oregon when officials served search warrants on nine Clackamas County residences on Dec. 15 and 16.

Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife (OSP F&W) Troopers arrested 13 individuals and seized 14 infrared thermal imaging devices, one rifle and four deer in an operation that followed months of investigation into the subjects’ use of Forward-Looking Infrared, or FLIR, to illegally kill deer, elk and other big game animals.

Laws prohibit the use of thermal and infrared devices to hunt, locate, or scout for wildlife because the heat-sensing technology undermines an animal’s natural ability to hide or conceal itself. FLIR users can spot an animal’s heat signature in complete darkness or heavy cover. Without camouflage or cover, animals are unable to forage or move around after dark.

Over the last two years, OSP F&W Division has received an increasing number of complaints regarding the unlawful use of FLIR technology to hunt or scout for big game animals. Several complaints originated in the Clackamas County area.

This fall, F&W Troopers began investigating several individuals who were reportedly using infrared technology to kill deer and elk in a specific area. Troopers were successful and the result underscores officials’ ability to navigate evolving technology, according to OSP Captain Kyle Kennedy.

“This case highlights the Fish and Wildlife Division’s ability to adapt to modern poaching threats and effectively investigate and seek criminal prosecution of poachers,” he said.Infrared technology gives advantage to those using it, and can result in an increase in the number of animals taken off the landscape, according to Jason Kirchner, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) District Wildlife Biologist based in Newport.

“Thermal or infrared use is illegal in Oregon, gives an unfair advantage, and is not a fair chase,” he said, “This illegal activity will increase harvest rates, reduce our game populations and hunting opportunities, and impact the public image of law-abiding hunters.”

Bernadette Graham-Hudson, ODFW Wildlife Division Administrator, agrees.

“Hunting regulations are in place to level the playing field for all hunters, and to maintain fair chase standards,” she said, “People who bypass the rules steal from legitimate hunters, and all Oregonians who wish to experience our wildlife as they recreate in the outdoors.”

The Oregon Hunters Association, a statewide organization invested in protecting Oregon’s natural resources, backs the effort to curb unethical practices, according to state President, Steve Hagan.

“OHA supports the vigorous enforcement of laws designed to protect wildlife, habitat, private property and hunter’s rights,” Hagan said.

Officials will file criminal wildlife charges with the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office for all 13 individuals suspected of using infrared thermal imaging while scouting or hunting big game animals. Due to the on-going status of these cases, no further information is available for release.

OSP

The Oregon State Police recently concluded a months long investigation into poaching involving thermal devices. Troopers served several search warrants and made multiple arrests during the investigation with more expected.

The use of infrared or thermal devices to hunt, locate, or scout wildlife provides a person with a significant unfair, unethical advantage over other unethical hunting behaviors as it completely voids the animal’s natural ability to hide or conceal itself. Use of thermal and infrared devices is prohibited by law. 

Over the last two years, the Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division has received an increasing number of complaints regarding the unlawful use of infrared thermal imaging devices, commonly known as Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR), to hunt or scout for big game animals with several complaints originating in the Clackamas County area. 

In the fall of 2024, Fish and Wildlife Troopers began investigating several individuals who were reportedly using infrared technology to kill deer and elk. Some of the suspects shared a connection while some were working individually. 

On December 15 and 16, 2024, the Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division executed search warrants at nine residences in Clackamas County. As a result of this investigation, 14 infrared thermal imaging devices, four deer, and one rifle were seized related to the use of FLIR devices for scouting and hunting wildlife. 

Criminal wildlife charges will be forwarded to the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office on 13 individuals for the use of infrared thermal imaging while scouting or hunting big game animals.  In connection to this investigation the Oregon State Police contacted three individuals while in the field hunting or scouting for wildlife who were criminally cited and released. In those cases, two infrared thermal imaging devices were seized.

The Oregon State Police works diligently to protect Oregon’s wildlife by pursuing leads and investigating infrared thermal device and other wildlife poaching cases. Captain Kyle Kennedy said, “This case highlights the Fish and Wildlife Division’s ability to adapt to modern poaching threats and effectively investigate and seek criminal prosecution of poachers.”

Due to the on-going status of these cases, no further information is available for release.

Those with information regarding a wildlife and/or habitat law violations or suspicious activity can call OSP dispatch directly at *OSP (*677) or 1-800-442-0776. Callers can remain anonymous and a cash reward or preference point reward may be offered for information leading to a citation or arrest in a qualifying case. 

TIP qualifying cases can include: Unlawful Take/Possession or Waste, Habitat Destruction, Illegally Obtaining Hunting/Angling License(s) or Tag(s), Lending/Borrowing Big Game Tag(s), Spotlighting (Including Thermal/IR, Night Vision Optics), and Snagging/Attempting to Snag Game Fish.