Oregon State Police February 2025

Captain Casey Thomas, Fish & Wildlife Division

An Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Trooper received multiple complaints about an owl hanging from a power line. The barn owl had become tangled in fishing line, which was hanging from a power line, about 20 yards from a bridge that crosses the Lost River. A local raptor rehabilitator told the Trooper that unlike eagles, Owls can't swim. A local Pacific Power employee had a boom truck and offered to help. Using the Troopers net, he was able to safely cut the owl down. The owl received some treatment at a local wildlife rehabilitation center and was released on the same day.

Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Troopers conducted a float patrol on the Necanicum River. Multiple steelhead angler checks and non-motorized boat inspections were conducted. One citation was issued for No Combined Angling Harvest Card. The photo above is one example of the Fish and Wildlife Division's ability to contact individuals angling on Oregon's waterways utilizing Department watercraft. It should be noted the gentleman photographed complied and appreciated OSP's presence on the river.

Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Troopers in performed a joint boat patrol on the Columbia River with the Hood River County Sheriff's Office Marine Deputy checking sturgeon anglers and performing boat safety inspections. The Columbia River was extremely busy with boaters and sturgeon anglers. The boat basins and popular fishing locations were packed to capacity and beyond in some locations. During the patrol only a small section of river was covered to sift through the crowds of boats and perform checks mainly just west and east of the Hood River bridge. In total 21 boats and 69 anglers were checked. Two citations were issued to anglers for failing to immediately validate their harvest cards. The Hood River County Marine Deputy issued three warnings for failing to renew boat registrations and issued one citation for no fire extinguisher. It should be noted the anglers photographed above were complying.

An Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Trooper, Lieutenant, and Conservation K9 "Scout" attended the Oregon Outdoors Recreation Summit in Sunriver at the request of ODFW. The Trooper spoke about the role of OSP Fish and Wildlife Troopers and then K9 "Scout" gave search demonstrations for happy dog lovers.

Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division members from around the state showed up at Oregon's Department of Public Safety and Standards training facility to conduct Fish and Wildlife Scenario training for Oregon State Police Recruit Troopers. Both sworn and non-sworn Fish and Wildlife Division members assisted, along with ODFW employees to make the day a success. Multiple stations were set up, with some utilizing real wildlife. Oregon State Police Recruit Troopers, regardless of Division assignment, attend this training as part of their academy training.