CANYON CITY, Ore.- A poacher investigated for more than 50 crimes committed in Grant County between 2023 and 2024 was sentenced to 95 days behind bars and more than $22,000 in restitution and fines, according to wildlife officials.

In what wildlife enforcement officers refer to as a serial poaching case, the subject accepted a global plea that resulted in two felony convictions for taking a 5X6 bull elk and a 3x4 mule deer buck, nine misdemeanor wildlife and angling crimes, and a probation violation.

OSP Fish & Wildlife (OSP F&W) Troopers' two-year investigation led to numerous wildlife and angling charges, including poaching a bull elk and two mule deer bucks while spotlighting. Spotlighting is the illegal act of casting bright light directly at an animal during the night. Game mammals may only be hunted from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.

The investigation began in March of 2023 when OSP F&W Troopers received information that the suspect was in possession of a large 6x6 bull elk while his hunting privileges were suspended. After investigating, OSP F&W Troopers seized the elk head. The subject was convicted for unlawful take/possession of bull elk, and he received a lifetime revocation of hunting privileges.

Troopers then received information that the suspect was attempting to poach during the 2023 Archery season. This investigation revealed that the suspect had unlawfully killed a 5x6 bull elk and two 3x4 mule deer bucks by spotlighting and shooting the animals with a rifle from a public roadway in September of 2023 in the Northside Hunt Unit.

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.

In addition to jail time, the court sentenced the subject to 18 months' probation; more than $22,500 in fines and restitution; forfeiture of 7mm Weatherby rifle, bow, spotlight and hunting calls; 260 hours of community service; and an additional lifetime revocation of hunting and fishing rights.

The impacts of crimes against fish and wildlife are lasting according to ODFW Wildlife Division administrator Bernadette Graham-Hudson.

"Poaching takes from everyone, especially the next generation," Graham-Hudson said. "Reporting poaching through our Turn in Poachers TIP line helps protect Oregon's wildlife and hold offenders accountable. We are grateful for everyone who helped with this investigation."

OSP F&W Sergeant Erich Timko credits the troopers and detectives who led the investigation, and the Grant County District Attorney's office for bringing the case to a successful resolution.

"Catching wildlife violators and holding them accountable is why our fish and wildlife troopers put on their uniforms every day," Timko said, "Our goal is to prevent these thefts of our wildlife resources that rob from our hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts."

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

The Protect Oregon's Wildlife- Turn in Poachers campaign educates the public on how to recognize and report poaching. This campaign is a collaboration among state agencies, sportsmen and other conservationists, landowners, and recreationists to engage the public in combatting Oregon's poaching problem. Our goal is to: Incentivize reporting on wildlife crimes through the TIP Line; Strengthen enforcement by increasing the number of OSP Fish and Wildlife Troopers; and Support prosecution in becoming an effective deterrent. The campaign helps to protect and enhance Oregon's fish and wildlife and their habitat for the enjoyment of present and future generations.

Photo: Evidence seized in poaching case in Grant County Credit OSP. Evidence was seized during a two-year investigation that led to more than 50 poaching crimes committed in Grant County. The subject was sentenced to 95 days in jail and more than $22,000 in fines and restitution.