OSP Troopers Looking For Info On Bull, Buck Poaching Southwest Of Vernonia

UPDATED 3:30 P.M., JULY 17 WITH ODFW PRESS RELEASE AT BOTTOM

THE FOLLOWING IS A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE OREGON STATE POLICE FISH AND WILDLIFE DIVISION

On June 28, 2020 Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Troopers investigated the report of a spike elk that was discovered on Weyerhaeuser property located off of Clear Creek Rd. near Timber Road in Columbia County. 

The elk had been shot and some meat was removed but most was left to waste.  

On July 5, 2020 Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Troopers investigated another report from the same area regarding a buck deer left to waste. 

The deer was located approximately 50 yards from where the elk was located.  The deer had been shot and no meat was removed. 

There was a .308 caliber bullet casing found on the road near the area.

This case may be related to a wasted cow elk reported in this area on March 28, 2020.  

OSP is requesting that anyone with information regarding these wildlife offenses to contact the Oregon State Police Northern Command Center at 1-800-442-0776 and refer to Trooper Ben Turner.

Individuals wishing to remain anonymous may also contact the Oregon State Police through the Turn in Poachers line at
TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or *OSP(677) or TIP E-Mail: TIP@state.or.us (Monitored M-F 8:00AM – 5:00PM)

The TIP program offers preference point rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of big game mammals.

Preference Point Rewards:

* 5 Points-Mountain Sheep

* 5 Points-Mountain Goat

* 5 Points-Moose

* 5 Points-Wolf

* 4 Points-Elk

* 4 Points-Deer

* 4 Points-Antelope

* 4 Points-Bear

* 4 Points-Cougar

The TIP program also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of Mountain Sheep, Mountain Goat, Moose, Elk, Deer, Antelope, Bear, Cougar, Wolf, Upland Birds, Waterfowl, and Furbearers. Cash rewards can also be awarded for the unlawful take of Game Fish and Shellfish and for Habitat Destruction.

CASH REWARDS:
* $1,000 Mountain Sheep, Mountain Goat and Moose 
* $500 Elk, Deer and Antelope 
* $300 Bear, Cougar and Wolf 
* $300 Habitat Destruction 
* $100 Upland Birds and Waterfowl 
* $100 Furbearers 

* $100 Game Fish and Shellfish 

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

TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or *OSP(677)

TIP E-Mail: TIP@state.or.us (Monitored M-F 8:00AM – 5:00PM)

—ODFW PRESS RELEASE—

Troopers seek public’s assistance in solving poaching cases in Columbia County

Deer and elk carcasses left to waste where they were shot mark a poaching hot spot in Columbia County. Law enforcement requests the public’s assistance for information to solve the crimes.

On July 5, Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Troopers investigated a buck deer that was discovered and reported on Weyerhaeuser property located off Clear Creek Rd. near Timber Road in Columbia County. Troopers found a .308 caliber bullet casing on a nearby road.

This incident follows the discovery of a spike elk on June 28 of this year, about 50 yards away from where the deer was found. On March 28, a cow elk was discovered in the same area. In all three cases, the carcasses had been left to rot with little if any meat removed.

“Poaching is stealing natural resources that belong to all Oregonians,” according to Yvonne Shaw, who coordinates Oregon’s anti-poaching campaign through the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Poaching is prevalent across the state. Deer and elk, along with other big game animals, marine life, birds and other wildlife all fall prey to unscrupulous thieves. Poachers often sell parts or whole animals through illegal channels. Many also poach for the thrill of killing, or in defiance of laws and regulations. Leaving meat to waste is a clear indicator of a thrill kill.

OSP requests that anyone with information regarding these wildlife offenses contact the Oregon State Police Northern Command Center at 1-800-442-0776 and refer to Trooper Ben Turner.

Individuals wishing to remain anonymous may also contact the Oregon State Police through the Turn in Poachers TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or *OSP(677) or TIP E-Mail: TIP@state.or.us(Monitored M-F 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

The Stop Poaching Campaign educates the public on how to recognize and report poaching. This campaign is a collaboration among hunters, conservationists, land owners and recreationists. Our goal is to increase reporting of wildlife crimes through the TIP Line, increase detection by increasing the number of OSP Fish and Wildlife Troopers and increase prosecution. This campaign helps to protect and enhance Oregon’s fish and wildlife and their habitat for the enjoyment of present and future generations. Contact campaign coordinator Yvonne Shaw for more information, Yvonne.l.Shaw@state.or.us.