Fish and wildlife asking for public’s help to identify poacher in Northeast Oregon

UPDATE 10/17/24 1:45 P.M. (From OSP) A suspect in this case has been identified; no further tips are needed. We appreciate the public’s assistance and thank everyone who turned in tips.

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NORTHEAST OREGON — (Release from the Oregon State Police) he Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife Division is asking for the public’s help to identify a suspected poacher. The individual was hunting in Northeast Oregon over the Labor Day weekend and is believed to be associated with a white late-model GMC or Chevy full-size, four-door pickup truck with tinted windows. 

The suspect shot a mature bull elk with archery equipment and began recovering the meat. However, when an Oregon State Trooper arrived in the area, the individual left the area without taking any portion of the elk, leaving all the meat and the antlers behind. The subject did not return while troopers were on scene for several hours salvaging what they could of the meat.

Potential charges include failing to retrieve edible portions of wildlife and waste of wildlife. Anyone with information is asked to contact Sr. Trooper Kris Davis via the TIP line at 1-800-452-7888 or *OSP (*677) from a mobile phone. Tips may also be submitted to TIP@osp.oregon.gov.  Individuals with information may remain anonymous. 

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators 

The Turn In Poachers (TIP) program is a collaboration among the Oregon State Police, Oregon Hunters Association, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Wildlife Coalition, Oregon Outfitter and Guides Association, and the Oregon State Marine Board. 

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

Preference Point Rewards
5 Points: Bighorn Sheep
5 Points: Rocky Mountain Goat
5 Points: Moose
5 Points: Wolf
4 Points: Elk
4 Points: Deer
4 Points: Pronghorn 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 the following fish and wildlife species. Cash rewards can also be awarded for habitat destruction, illegally obtaining hunting or angling licenses or tags, lending or borrowing big game tags, spotlighting, or snagging.

Cash Rewards

Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) cash rewards:
$2,000 Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, or Moose 
$1,000 Elk, Deer, or Antelope 
$600 Bear, Cougar, or Wolf
$300 Habitat destruction 
$200 Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags
$200 Unlawful lending/borrowing big game tag(s)
$200 Game Fish & Shellfish
$200 Game Birds or Furbearers
$200 Spotlighting
$200 Snagging/Attempt to Snag

Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:
$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey
$500 Cougar, Bobcat, Beaver (public lands only), Black bears, Bighorn Sheep, Marten, Fisher, Sierra Nevada Red Fox
$1,000 Species listed as “threatened” or “endangered” under state or federal Endangered Species Act (excludes fish)

Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards:
$200 Acting as an Outfitter Guide for the Illegal Killing of Wildlife, Illegally Obtaining Oregon Hunting or Angling Licenses or Tags, or Illegally Offering to Act as an Outfitter Guide as defined in ORS 704.010 and 704.020.

How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity: 
TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or *OSP (*677)
TIP email: TIP@osp.oregon.gov (monitored Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
For more information visit: www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/fw/Pages/tip.aspx

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(Author Note — The Oregon State Police told Elkhorn Media Group that they do not have a more specific location to release)

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Elkhorn Media Group