OSP seeks help with beheaded mule deer left to waste in Umatilla County

By on Thursday, December 7th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

News release from the Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division:

UMATILLA COUNTY, Ore. 07 Dec. 2023 – Oregon State Police (OSP) Fish and Wildlife Division is seeking public assistance in locating the person(s) responsible for the waste of a mule deer buck in Umatilla County.

On Monday, Oct. 9, 2023, OSP troopers responded to the report of a dead mule deer buck that was found left to waste off Forest Road 5309, within the Heppner Controlled Hunt Unit in Umatilla County. It was determined the buck deer was shot with a rifle at about 7 a.m. on Oct. 7, 2023. No meat was salvaged from the buck and the head was removed.  

A possible suspect vehicle was identified as a white Toyota Tundra pickup with a dark-colored, possibly green, four-wheeler in the bed of the truck. OSP is requesting the public’s assistance with identifying the person(s) responsible for the wasting of the buck deer.  

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Oregon State Police Dispatch at 1-800-452-7888, *OSP (*677), or email at TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Reference case number SP23-323389.

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators 

The Turn In Poachers (TIP) program is a collaboration between 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.