SALEM, Ore. – 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:
The Stop Poaching Campaign educates the public on how to recognize and report poaching. This campaign is a collaboration among hunters,
