25-06-2025
Poacher who was investigated for more than 50 crimes is sentenced
A serial poacher who was investigated for more than 50 crimes over a two-year period was sentenced after accepting a global plea that resulted in two felony convictions, nine misdemeanor wildlife and angling crimes, and a probation violation.
Even after having received a lifetime hunting ban, the unnamed suspect continued with his wildlife crime spree and, in one case, did so while awaiting trial on his unlawful take of wildlife.
The two-year investigation in Grant County ended with the suspect being sentenced to 95 days in jail; 18 months' probation; more than $22,000 in restitution and fines; forfeiture of a 7mm Weatherby rifle, bow, spotlight and hunting calls; 260 hours of community service; and an additional lifetime revocation of hunting and fishing rights, according to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
He poached a bull elk and two mule deer bucks while spotlighting, an illegal act of casting a bright light directly at an animal during the night. He and his friends also committed more than 30 fishing crimes, including night fishing and unlawfully fishing for wild steelhead on the John Day River.
The investigation began in March of 2023 when Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Troopers received a tip that the suspect was in possession of a large 6x6 bull elk while his hunting privileges were suspended. The Troopers seized the elk head, and the suspect was convicted of unlawful take/possession of a bull elk. He received a lifetime hunting ban.
Troopers then learned the suspect attempted to poach during the 2023 archery season. An investigation revealed he had unlawfully killed a 5x6 bull elk and two 3x4 mule deer by spotlighting and shooting them with a rifle from a public road in September of 2023 in the Northside Hunt Unit.
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More from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife:
'Troopers continued their investigation which led to the execution of search warrants and the arrest of the suspect on numerous wildlife crimes. Items seized included antlers from the 5x6 bull elk and 3x4 mule deer bucks as well as a spotlight, 7mm Weatherby rifle, bow, calls, and other items related to the unlawful take.
'In 2024, while the suspect was released from jail and awaiting trial, Troopers received information that the suspect was unlawfully angling for wild steelhead in the John Day River. Troopers conducted surveillance on the suspect and two other individuals for almost two months while the suspect and his friends broke fishing regulations, including night fishing on the John Day River. Troopers charged the subject and his friends with more than 30 angling crimes.'
Said OSP F&W Sergeant Erich Timko, 'Catching wildlife violators and holding them accountable is why our fish and wildlife troopers put on their uniforms every day. Our goal is to prevent these thefts of our wildlife resources that rob from our hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts.'
USA Today/For The Win reached out to the Oregon Department of Fish and Game to get the suspect's name and where he is from, and will update the post if/when we receive the information.
