OREGON STATE POLICE FISH & WILDLIFE DIVISION

MONTHLY FIELD REVIEW SEPTEMBER 2019 CONTENT Community Outreach...... 3 General Archery Season...... 4 General Law & Rescues...... 5 Administration and Enforcement of Wildlife Laws...... 6-8 Marine Fisheries Team...... 9 Shellfish and Angling...... 10-11 Case Disposition...... 12 Turn in Poachers...... 13 F&W Recruitment...... 14

On the cover: A Tillamook Fish & Wildlife Trooper working from the top of a ridge along the Trask River. COMMUNITY OUTREACH

White River Wildlife Area Youth Pheasant Hunt Fish & Wildlife Troopers assisted ODFW with their annual youth pheasant clinic at the White River Wildlife Area. There were several youth hunters that attended the event and had success in harvesting pheasants.

Presentation Given at OHA Meeting - Gold Beach Fish & Wildlife Troopers attended the Oregon Hunting Association (OHA) meeting in Gold Beach. A presentation was given on the effects of lead vs. copper bullets on wildlife. The presentation gave statistics on wildlife mortality due to lead poisoning. These include everything from raptors to land animals that are affected from game gut piles.

Youth Pheasant Hunt - Coquille Valley Coos Bay area Fish & Wildlife Troopers assisted ODFW and OHA with a youth pheasant hunt which was hosted at Coquille Valley Wildlife Area. Volunteers from the community provided bird dogs for the children who did not have access to one. The event was a success with nearly all of the kids limiting out. Several of the kids did not have adults available to hunt with, so the Troopers accompanied them on their hunt.

Mid-Willamette Valley Anglers Club Meeting K-9 Buck Attends Sporting Dog Days Event A Fish & Wildlife Trooper attended the monthly meeting for the Mid-Willamette Valley Anglers Club in Salem as a Senior Trooper Wolcott and K-9 Buck attended the guest speaker. The Trooper was well received and answered Sporting Dog Days event at Cabela’s in Springfield. questions pertaining to the Electronic Licensing System K-9 Buck was very popular with the attendees. (ELS), Angling, Hunting and boat operation and safety. Approximately 50 members were present for the meeting.

OSP Presentation - Hermiston High School A Fish & Wildlife Trooper was invited to speak to a wildlife class at Hermiston High School. The Trooper spoke to approximately 15 students about the duties and responsibilities of a Fish & Wildlife Trooper and why they are important. He also shared some awesome stories which were well received.

Troopers Attend Community Event - The Dalles Fish & Wildlife Troopers attended a community outreach event in The Dalles, with approximately 300 people in attendance. Troopers talked about boating safety, various fish and wildlife topics, and about police work to the public. The big OSP boat was a great attraction and everyone was pleased to see OSP Fish & Wildlife Troopers at the event.

3 GENERAL ARCHERY SEASON

Unlawful Take of Doe - Saddle Mountain Unit A Fish & Wildlife Trooper received information about a subject who unlawfully killed a doe in the Saddle Mountain unit during archery deer season (a forked antler or better hunting unit). A witness of the incident, who happens to work for ODFW, contacted the suspect and directed him to self-report the incident and turn the deer over to OSP. The suspect agreed to do so and then later waited for the complainant to leave the area and chose to not report the incident himself. The Trooper made contact with the suspect at a later date. The suspect admitted to shooting a doe and said he should have turned himself in. The deer was seized as evidence and the subject was criminally cited and released for Unlawful Take/Possession of Antlerless Deer.

Hunting From Roadway - Ukiah Unit A Fish & Wildlife Trooper observed four subjects jump out of two pickups on a major highway and one of the subjects had a nocked arrow. Upon contact, the subjects would not say which one had the arrow nocked and they were just out “looking” at the elk. One subject finally admitted he was the one with the nocked arrow. He happened to be the only one in the group with a Ukiah Any Elk Tag. He was cited Bull Elk Killed with Rifle During Archery Season for Hunting Prohibited Area-Public Roadway. A Fish & Wildlife Trooper was notified by Northern WED Operation in The Dalles Watershed Command Center of a report of an elk being shot and killed with a rifle during archery season on the Tami Wagner Fish & Wildlife Troopers conducted a wildlife enforcement Wildlife Area near Yachats. Two Troopers and a Lincoln deer decoy (WED) in The Dalles Watershed, which is closed County Sheriff’s Deputy arrived on scene to find five to hunting. A vehicle stopped and the passenger got out and subjects processing a deceased spike bull elk. One subject shot twice at the decoy with his bow. A Trooper stopped the told a Trooper he had shot and killed the spike elk with his vehicle as the passenger was placing his bow back into the bow and the other subjects had stopped to help process the vehicle. The subject stated he didn’t know he was in a closed elk. Upon inspecting the carcass, the arrow entry wound area as his map showed him to be in a US Forest Service was clearly post mortem. A second subject eventually area. The subject was educated on the closure and received admitted to shooting the carcass with an arrow, and finding a citation for Hunting Prohibited Area – Public Roadway. the rifle bullet in the carcass and throwing it into a nearby blackberry thicket. Troopers conducted a detailed search of the vehicles, nearby field and blackberry bushes, but no firearm or rifle bullet was discovered. The subject who admitted to shooting the elk carcass was cited and released for Take/Possession of Bull Elk, Aiding/Counseling in a Wildlife Offense, and Tampering with Physical Evidence. The subject’s archery equipment was seized as evidence. Two other subjects were cited and released for Aiding/ Counseling in a Wildlife Offense. Additional charges will be referred to the Lincoln County District Attorney’s office for consideration. The elk meat was salvaged and delivered to a local processor. After processing, the meat was donated to charity. Elk legally harvested in the North Coast Travel Management Area.

4 GENERAL LAW & RESCUES

OSP Troopers Assist on Dunes Rescue - Coos Bay A Fish & Wildlife Trooper and a Patrol Trooper assisted in a rescue effort for a subject who fell from horseback on the North Spit of Coos Bay. The high tide limited access to the remote shoreline. Using an OSP boat, a Bay Cities Ambulance paramedic was transported to the victim. Deer Stuck in Sewer Pond - Bonanza North Bay Fire District personnel and another paramedic A Fish & Wildlife Trooper was dispatched to the report of arrived on foot from a short hike from the dunes rescue three deer stuck in a sewer pond near Bonanza. Luckily the unit. The patient was loaded into the boat on a backboard treatment plant was still under construction and the pond and transported back to the dock, where Coos County was dry. The deer were unable to climb out due to the thick Sheriff’s Deputies assisted carrying the patient off the boat. black plastic liner around the pond. With the assistance of The patient was transported to and given advanced care at a patrol trooper and a tow strap, the Trooper was able to the Bay Area Hospital Emergency Department. corral the deer and carry them to the top of the pond. All seemed to be fatigued but in good health. Woman Cited for Littering - Deschutes County Trapped Deer Released - La Pine Fish & Wildlife Troopers investigated a littering case that occurred on a forest service road in Deschutes County A La Pine Fish & Wildlife Trooper received a report of a near the shoreline of Wickiup Reservoir. The on-scene mule deer doe that had been trapped inside of a high fence investigation revealed that a female subject and her family for several days and was unable to walk. The Trooper found had been camping in an unimproved camp site and had the doe to be suffering from severe dehydration. The doe left behind a significant amount of household garbage was provided with water and was able to walk away the and boxes at the campsite. A witness retrieved a shipping following day. label out of one of the trash bags which helped identify a suspect. The subject was located in Salem, interviewed and Bull Elk Caught in Fence - Wildhorse Creek confessed to leaving behind the trash. The subject was cited Fish & Wildlife Troopers responded to a report of a branch at her place of employment for Offensive Littering. bull elk caught in a fence along Wildhorse Creek in the Columbia Basin Unit. It was reported that the bull’s antlers were caught in the fencing and he was unable to free himself. The bull was located and found to have his antlers VERY entangled in a large amount of fencing wires. As the bull continued to free himself, he kept pulling up more fence posts. ODFW was contacted to come and sedate the bull so he could be safely freed from the fencing. After much effort, the bull was freed and he left the scene appearing to be unharmed.

5 ADMINISTRATION & ENFORCEMENT OF WILDLIFE LAWS

Sage Grouse Patrol Fish & Wildlife Troopers from Oakridge and Springfield conducted patrols in the Beatys Butte unit East of Lakeview for the opening weekend of the controlled sage grouse season. Patrols were conducted using department ATVs. On opening morning they set up on a water hole with sage grouse activity and watched for early shooting. No violations were observed. During the weekend patrol ten sage grouse hunters were contacted and four harvested sage grouse were checked. Two archery deer hunters were also contacted. During two ATV contacts two warnings were given for No ATV Safety Education card and one warning was given for No ATV Decal.

6 ADMINISTRATION & ENFORCEMENT OF WILDLIFE LAWS

OSP Airplane Aids in Spotlighting Patrol Fish & Wildlife Troopers from the Central Point and Grants Pass offices took part in a late night flight in an attempt to catch spotlighters. One vehicle captured the attention of the pilot as acting abnormal and eratic for that hour of night. The pilot followed the vehicle as troopers were attempting to get into position to contact the subjects after it was learned that either the passenger or driver were using a spotlight for something. The pilot observed the vehicle continue using a high power spotlight just prior to Troopers being in position to contact the vehicle. As the Troopers got close to the area of the suspect vehicle they observed that the vehicle was attempting to leave the remote area at a very high rate of speed. One of the Troopers caught up to the Unlawful Take of Bull Elk vehicle and initiated a traffic stop. Upon contact, Troopers Fish & Wildlife Troopers investigated the unlawful found a loaded 22 rifle and a high power spotlight. One take of a bull elk. Through interviews with a reporting subject admitted to the spotlighting and received a citation party, a butcher shop, the suspect, and his parents, it for Casting Light While Armed. The other subject was was determined the suspect used a rifle and a bow to warned for Aiding in a Wildlife Violation. kill a large 5x5 bull elk on private property. The suspect was cited and released for Unlawful Take of Bull Elk and Trespass II. His rifle, bow, and the elk were seized as evidence.

Citations Issued in WED Operation Fish & Wildlife Troopers conducted a mule deer buck wildlife enforcement decoy (WED) operation in the Walla Walla unit. Two individuals spotted the buck decoy and exited their vehicle. One individual had a bow and began to approach the decoy. The other individual was giving him advice on how to close the distance on it. They were contacted and the individual with the bow did not have a tag and the other had a general season tag which was not valid for the unit. Citations were issued for No Big Game Tag and for Aiding in a Wildlife Offense.

Unlawful Take of Spike Bull Elk - Tioga Unit Fish & Wildlife Troopers responded to a report of a spike bull elk killed in the Tioga Unit southwest of Elkton, which has a 3-point or better antler restriction unit for elk. A vehicle description was obtained from a witness, but the suspect(s) Reported Moose Likely Bison - Ukiah Unit had left the area in the vehicle. The vehicle was later located several miles from the incident location leaving the area. A Fish & Wildlife Trooper received a report of a dead moose A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver admitted to in a remote area of the Ukiah Unit. Two carcasses were killing the illegal elk and not validating his tag. The spike located and photos were taken. The animals had succumbed bull elk, which was in the vehicle, was seized and the subject to last winters’ late, harsh conditions. The animals were was cited for Unlawful Taking Spike Bull Elk. Two other likely bison that were released near Meacham over 15 -20 subjects who had assisted with packing the animal out were years ago. Photos were sent to the Oregon Department of warned for Aiding in a Wildlife Offense. Fish and Wildlife district biologist for analysis.

7 ADMINISTRATION & ENFORCEMENT OF WILDLIFE LAWS

Fail to Check in Bear Fern Ridge Wildlife Area Pheasant Hunt Patrols Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife Troopers worked the fee pheasant Fish and Wildlife staff hunt opener at the Fern Ridge Wildlife Area. The East in Newport contacted a and West Coyote units and the Fisher Butte unit were Fish & Wildlife Trooper patrolled. Troopers checked a total of 27 pheasant hunters. to report a subject who Good compliance was noted with the fee pheasant hunt was not in compliance regulations. While working the area two subjects hunting with the mandatory Canadian geese were contacted. Both subjects were issued check in period for a citations for licensing violations. black bear. The subject The following weekend, Fish & Wildlife Troopers, along was interviewed and with K-9 Buck, patrolled the East and West Coyote units it was determined the and the Fisher Butte unit. Troopers checked 41 pheasant hunter was beyond hunters. Again, as with the previous patrol on the season the mandatory 10 day opener, good regulation compliance was noted. One subject window to check in a was cited in the Fisher Butte unit for Use/Possession of black bear with ODFW Toxic Shot – Lead. following harvest. The subject was cited for Fail The next weekend, a Fish & Wildlife Trooper patrolled to Check in Black Bear the East and West Coyote Units and 16 pheasant hunters to Oregon Department were contacted. A group of hunters were contacted in the of Fish and Wildlife East Coyote Unit and one subject was found to be hunting Within 10 Days. with lead shot. The hunter had borrowed the shotgun and shells he was using from one of the other subjects he was hunting with. The hunter who had loaned the shotgun and shells took responsibility for the violation and was issued a Criminal Trespass - Minnow Creek Area citation for Aiding, Counseling and Assisting in a Game Offense – Use/Possession of Toxic Shot Lead. On opening day of Western Rifle Deer Season a Fish & Wildlife Trooper received a trespass complaint that occurred on property in the Minnow Creek area east of Dexter. A father and his juvenile son used a key to illegally access the property where they harvested a forked horn black tailed buck. The landowner requested prosecution for the trespass. The deer was seized and the father was criminally cited for Aiding/Counseling in a Wildlife Offense-Hunting While Criminal Trespassing.

Spotlighters Caught in Decoy Operation Photo by Michael Hoyt on Unsplash Astoria Fish & Wildlife Troopers conducted a Wildlife Enforcement Decoy (WED) operation on the opening weekend of rifle deer season. The Troopers set the WED up in the early morning, well before legal hunting hours. A vehicle stopped at the WED after the headlights illuminated it, and the vehicle repositioned until it’s headlights were fully illuminating the WED. The passenger then got out and shot the WED from the road three times. The passenger was cited and released for Unlawful Taking Deer Prohibited Hours and for Hunting with the Aid of Artificial Light. The driver was cited and released for Aid in a Wildlife Offense.

8 MARINE FISHERIES TEAM

Take/Possession of Non Fin-Clipped Coho While checking anglers at the Charleston Boat ramp, a Fish & Wildlife Trooper on the Marine Fisheries Team located four non fin-clipped Coho salmon on board a sport boat. The anglers stated they caught all of their fish in the ocean. The owner of the boat was surprised when he was advised that the ocean was closed to retention of non-fin clipped Coho. The owner of the boat was cited for Take/ Possession of Non Fin-Clipped Coho Closed Season. The fish were donated to charity.

Commercial Fisherman Fails to Submit Tickets Fish & Wildlife Troopers on the Marine Fisheries Team were contacted by ODFW regarding a commercial Training and Patrol with USCG fisherman that had not submitted fish tickets, monthly A Fish & Wildlife Trooper on the reports, or monthly landing fees in months. The subject was Marine Fisheries Team worked contacted and issued violation citations for Fail To Submit aboard the USCG Depoe Bay on Fish Tickets, and Fail To Submit Monthly Landing a training and joint ocean patrol. Reports. The fisherman also had an arrest warrant out of Station Depoe Bay utilized the OSP Coos County for Failure to Appear II. He was cited and patrol boat to conduct towing drills released in lieu of custody for the warrant. from the ocean and into Depoe Bay. Afterwards, they assisted OSP on Angler Surveillance Operation with WDFW an ocean salmon/groundfish patrol. No citations were issued but multiple A Fish & Wildlife Trooper on the Marine Fisheries Team warnings were issued for Angling participated in an evening angler surveillance operation Prohibited Method – Barbed on the Columbia River near Rainer. Multiple Washington Hooks; Groundfish with Salmon Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) officers observed on Board. anglers in boats from Rainier to St. Helens, then relayed information about illegal activity to Troopers waiting on Wasted Shrimp - Astoria land in Oregon. Chinook salmon season was closed on this area of the Columbia River, and anglers were only allowed A Fish & Wildlife Trooper on the Marine Fisheries Team to retain Coho salmon. A WDFW Officer watched a boat followed up on a case from July where ODFW reported a shrimp fisherman had landed about 30,000 pounds of shrimp catch a large salmon, and net it. After keeping the salmon to a wholesaler in Astoria. About 14,000 pounds of the in the net for a few minutes, the Officer then watched the shrimp were rejected by the wholesaler for being “smelly.” subjects on the boat bring the salmon onto the boat and The captain made a statement admitting responsibility that never saw them return it to the water. After about an hour, he probably didn’t have the crew use enough ice mixture the Officer watched the subjects fillet a salmon, put the when storing the shrimp in the hold. The captain was cited fillets in bags, and throw the carcass overboard. A Fish & for Wasting Food Fish. Wildlife Trooper contacted the boat once it returned to the dock in Rainer. The subjects said that they had only caught Gull Injured, Subject Cited - Seaside one Chinook that day, and had let it go. They repeatedly said that the did not have any salmon on board. The subjects A Fish & Wildlife Trooper on the Marine Fisheries Team eventually admitted to keeping a Chinook and filleting it. responded to a report of a subject that had hit a gull with They said that they thought that it was going to bleed out, a rock in Seltzer Park in Seaside. The Trooper located the subject who admitted to throwing a rock at and hitting the so decided to keep it. The Trooper cited two of the subjects gull, but did not give a reason for doing it. The Trooper for Aiding in a Wildlife Offense, and cited one subject located the injured gull, and it was taken to a local bird for Unlawful Possession of Mutilated Salmon. The fillets rehab facility. The subject was cited for Harassing Wildlife. were seized.

9 SHELLFISH & ANGLING

Unlawful Take of Wild Coho - Winchester Bay A Fish & Wildlife Trooper responded to Winchester Bay for a report that ODFW seized a Wild Coho salmon, which was caught in the Umpqua River. The subject was an experienced angler and assumed the fish was a Chinook, based on its large size and the coloration of its back. The subject admitted he made no attempt to properly identify the fish, and immediately realized it was a Coho when he was contacted by ODFW. The subject was issued a violation citation for Take/Possession of Wild Coho Salmon; the 28 inch wild Coho was seized and donated to charity.

Out-of-State Subject Cited - Curry County A Fish & Wildlife Trooper contacted a subject crabbing on the crab docks next to the Coast Guard Station in Harbor. The subject was from Florida and thought it was legal to Illegal Tuna Sale - Charleston crab off a pier without a license. When asked, the subject A Fish & Wildlife Trooper responded to Charleston stated he checked the California regulations. He was cited on a report that a subject was selling his sport caught for No Non-Resident Shellfish License. tuna. The reporting party believed it was sport caught tuna because the subject was using a hand-held fish Angling and Littering Violations - Eagle Creek scale, not the required certified scale, and was able to Fish and Wildlife Troopers patrolled Eagle Creek after provide a license plate for the subject who bought the receiving ongoing complaints of fisherman fishing above the fish. The seller was contacted and admitted to selling deadline and littering. Troopers watched and documented one tuna, which he estimated to be 14 pounds, to an acquaintance; however, he could not provide specifics multiple violations. Enforcement action was taken on nine on that person’s identity or contact information. The individuals, with the majority of the citations being for buyer was contacted at another location in Charleston, Angling Closed Stream. One of the individuals was cited and advised he purchased eleven tuna, for a total of and released for Depositing Trash Within Waters. over 100 pounds of whole fish. Additionally, the buyer advised he had never met the seller before that day, and Coos Basin Salmon Derby Boat Patrols believed he had legally purchased the fish. The seller was later re-contacted and admitted to selling 108 Fish & Wildlife Troopers conducted boat patrols on the pounds of whole fish. The seller was criminally cited Coos River basin which coincided with the Coos Basin and released for Sale/Barter of Sport Caught Fish, Salmon Derby. Angler pressure was very high, and catch and the buyer was warned for the same. rates were some of the highest of the season, however, still low compared to the number of anglers. Over 70 anglers were contacted, and the Troopers encountered numerous violations, many of which were related to angler Angler Checks - Fort Stevens River Beach inexperience with the ELS system. One angler was cited A Fish & Wildlife Trooper checked salmon anglers at Fort for No Resident Angling License and warned for No Stevens River Beach. In total, 17 anglers were contacted. Salmon Tag. Another angler on the boat advised he had During the patrol a subject was contacted who was found a license and tag but could not produce it on his phone. to be in possession of three Coho salmon, one of which A check of the ODFW license database after the contact measured 14 inches long. The subject indicated that he was revealed the angler purchased his license/tag shortly after no longer angling and that his juvenile son was the one being contacted by OSP. The subject was re-contacted who caught the undersized salmon. The subject was issued and cited. Another subject was warned for Possession of a citation for Aiding/Counseling in a Fish & Wildlife Altered Harvest Card (the angler cut off all the identifying Offense and the undersized Coho was seized. information at the top of his tag to make it smaller).

10 SHELLFISH & ANGLING

Dungeness Crab Violations - Siletz Bay A Fish & Wildlife Trooper received a complaint about a group of people keeping undersized Dungeness crab on Siletz Bay. The group was contacted and found to be in possession of five Dungeness crab, four of which were undersized. Three of the four undersized crab were female. One subject was cited for Take/Possession of Undersized Dungeness Crab and warned for Take/Possession of Female Dungeness Crab. The illegal crab were returned to the bay.

River and Ocean Salmon Violations - Astoria A Fish & Wildlife Trooper responded to several angling complaints reported by ODFW fish checkers of unlawful salmon being retained from the Lower Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean. In total, two citations were issued for Take/Possession of Non-Adipose Fin Clipped Salmon, one citation was issued for Take/Possession of Chinook Salmon: Closed Season, and one citation was issued for Take/Possession of Undersized Chinook Salmon (Ocean).

Undersized Dungeness Crab - Coos Bay A Fish & Wildlife Trooper was dispatched to the report of recreational crabbers acting suspicious at the Empire boat launch in Coos Bay. The subjects were located and consented to a search of the catch. 18 undersized Dungeness crab were found and released into the bay. One subject admitted that he measured all of the crab. He was issued a citation A Fish & Wildlife Trooper assists an angler on the Sandy River. The Trooper for Take/Possession of Undersized Dungeness Crab. The used his hat to shield the anglers phone from the rain while he signed other subject was cited for Aiding in a Wildlife Offense. up for ELS, ODFW’s new licensing phone app. The new angler was very appreciative for the education and assistance. Coho Snagging - Sandy River Subjects Fail to Validate Harvest Cards A Fish & Wildlife Trooper patrolled the mouth of the Sandy River for Coho anglers. The Trooper watched two Fish and Wildlife Troopers patrolled Eagle Creek at Bonnie subjects attempting to snag salmon in ankle deep water by Lure State Park for salmon anglers. Troopers contacted a a technique that they described as “flossing.” The Trooper man in the parking lot who had a Coho salmon in the bed of watched one of the subjects land a fish using this snagging his truck. The subject stated that he caught the Coho earlier technique and the Trooper heard the subject exclaim “the in the morning on the Sandy River and was now going to hook actually hit it in the mouth.” The subject stated that try to fish on Eagle Creek. When Troopers inspected his he thought flossing was legal. The Coho was seized and Harvest Tag it was discovered that he had not recorded the the subject was issued a citation for Angling Prohibited fish on his tag. The subject was issued a citation for Failure Method – Snagging. to Immediately Validate Harvest Card. Troopers checked another subject who was walking towards the parking lot Undersized Lingcod - Bandon with a salmon tail sticking out of his backpack. When Troopers inspected his Harvest Tag it was discovered that A Fish & Wildlife Trooper was contacted by an ODFW fish he had not recorded the fish on his tag either. The subject checker who had seized an undersized lingcod in Bandon. was issued a citation for Failure to Immediately Validate The subject was contacted and advised that he thought the Harvest Card. minimum size was 20”. The 21” lingcod was seized, and the subject was warned for Take of Undersized Lingcod. 11 CASE DISPOSITION

Rainier Man Sentenced for Angling Crime Two Convicted in Bear Baiting Case A Rainier man was cited in May 2018 by Fish & Wildlife The Roseburg area team worked a several month long Troopers for Unlawful Take of Salmon/Closed River bear baiting investigation in the spring of 2018. During and Angling Prohibited Method/Barbed Hooks. The the investigation two bear bait stations were located in subject had caught, retained and hid a Chinook salmon the Indigo Hunt Unit. Two trail cameras were seized unlawfully. When contacted, he was angling with his two and search warrants were drafted. Two possible suspects minor children. Inspection of the three rods revealed a total were identified. It was discovered that both subjects had of 8 barbed hooks. The District Attorney added Contempt harvested bear over the bait stations. Ultimately the subjects of Court to his charges for violating his release agreement. were cited and released for Unlawful Take of Black Bear He pleaded guilty to his angling charges and contempt of and Aiding in a Game Offense. In September of 2019 court charge. Sentencing and restitution are as follows: both subjects pleaded no contest in Douglas County Circuit Court. Sentencing and restitution are as follows: Unlawful Take of Salmon/Closed River: • 14 days jail Subject # 1: • 12 month bench probation • Two misdemeanor convictions • $750-ODFW • $5000 restitution to ODFW • $100-TIP fund • $200 fine • $100-Bench probation fee • 10 days community service • $335 Attorney fee reimbursement • 5 year hunting suspension • Angling Prohibited Method/Barbed Hooks- • Forfeiture of bear and rifle • $345-Fine Subject # 2 Contempt of Court: • One misdemeanor conviction • Diversion and • $3750 restitution to ODFW • $1,050-OHA Columbia County Chapter • $100 fine • 10 days community service • 5 year hunting suspension McMinnville Area 2018-19 Big Game Convictions • Forfeiture of bear During the 2018-19 big game season, McMinnville Area Command Troopers secured convictions on big game cases Pair Convicted in Elk Case - Clatsop County resulting in the following dispositions across four counties: An Astoria Fish & Wildlife Trooper received a disposition • 7 days jail time in regards to an unlawfully taken elk claimed to be road • 18 criminal big game forfeitures struck from February 2019. The case involved a resident in • 26 firearm forfeitures Jewell who stated he was driving home and came across an • 55 hunting license suspensions elk that was “flopping around” on the side of the highway • 530 hours of community service and presumed the elk had been road struck. The subject • 774 months of probation called a friend in order to assist him with loading the elk. • Total fines were $79,728, including: While waiting for his friend to arrive the subject stated the • $3,000 ordered into the Turn In Poachers fund elk died on its own and neither him nor his friend had shot • $8,000 into the WED fund the elk at any point. Upon examination of the elk, it was • $24,500 in restitution to ODFW determined the elk had a significant gunshot wound that had entered and exited through its neck. There was no other Subject Sentenced for Unlawful Take observable trauma present on the elk that would indicate it was road struck. The elk was seized and one suspect In April 2019, a Florence Fish & Wildlife Trooper cited was criminally cited for: Unlawful Take/Possession of a subject in the Willamette unit for Unlawful Take of an Antlerless Elk. The second suspect was criminally cited Antlerless Black Tail Deer – Closed Season. In September, for: Aiding/Counseling in a Wildlife Offense. Both 2019 the subject pleaded guilty to the unlawful take. He was subjects were convicted in a Clatsop County court for the sentenced to three years bench probation, the first of which above charges. One subject was fined $2500 in restitution he cannot participate in hunting excursions with anyone. to ODFW and given a 36 month hunting suspension. The In addition his hunting privileges were suspended for three other subject was fined $695 and given a 36 month hunting years, he was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and forfeit his suspension as well. b ow. 12 TURN IN POACHERS PREFERENCE POINTS -OR- CASH REWARDS 5 Points-Bighorn Sheep $1,000 Bighorn Sheep 5 Points-Rocky Mountain Goat $1,000 Rocky Mountain Goat 5 Points-Moose $1,000 Moose 5 Points-Wolf $500 Elk, Deer & Antelope 4 Points-Elk $300 Bear, Cougar & Wolf 4 Points-Deer $300 Habitat Destruction 4 Points-Antelope $200 Illegally Obtaining License/Tags 4 Points-Bear $200 Unlawful Lend/Borrow Big Game Tag(s) 4 Points-Cougar $100 Game Fish & Shellfish $100 Upland Birds, Waterfowl & Fur Bearers

The TIP program offers preference point rewards or cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of big game mammals. WHAT SHOULD I REPORT? - Nature of violation or activity observed or advised about - Location of activity (Road, Milepost, GPS, etc.) - Date and time of violation/activity - Description of any vehicle involved - Name and/or description of violator Click here to access the TIP form

1-800-452-7888 or *OSP(677) [email protected] Oregon State Police work hand-in-hand with the Oregon Hunters Association and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to ensure the preservation of wildlife resources. 13 OREGON STATE POLICE Interested in becoming an Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Trooper? For information, please visit our website at: www.osptrooper.com

Questions? Please call 503-378-4474 or email [email protected]

FISH & WILDLIFE DIVISION

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