13 Oregonians Face Indictment for Using Infrared Thermal Imaging Devices to Poach Big Game Animals
Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division have charged 13 people for the illegal use of infrared thermal imaging to scout and hunt big game animals. The criminal wildlife charges have been sent to the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Offices.
Charges Follow Months of Investigation
After several months of investigation, officers from OSP’s Fish and Wildlife Division served nine search warrants on homes in Clackamas County on December 15 and 16. They seized 14 infrared thermal imaging devices, a rifle, and four deer during the search operations.
More arrests are expected to be made soon, according to a news release from the OSP.
Captain Kyle Kennedy of the OSP said the investigation highlighted the Fish and Wildlife Division’s ability to handle modern poaching threats and effectively seek criminal prosecutions.
The Use of Thermal or Infrared Imaging Devices is Illegal
Using infrared or thermal devices to scout, hunt, and locate wildlife is illegal, giving poachers an unethical advantage that diminishes an animal’s chance to conceal itself from hunters.
Captain Kennedy said the OSP’s Fish and Wildlife Division has received an increasing number of complaints about the illegal use of thermal infrared imaging devices over the last two years. Known as Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR), most of the complaints originated in the Clackamas County district.
Most of the Complaints Originated in Clackamas County
According to OSP, several of the people suspected of poaching using FLIR to kill elk and deer knew one another, while others worked individually.
OSP investigators criminally cited and then released three people while they were scouting or hunting for wildlife and seized two infrared thermal imaging devices.
Captain Kennedy said investigations are continuing. No further information could be released due to the ongoing nature of the allegations regarding poaching transgressions using FLIR.
Cash Reward Payable for Information
A cash reward or preference point reward is payable for information leading to a citation or arrest.
Anyone with information that could help the OSP’s Fish and Wildlife Division should contact OSP dispatch at *OSP (*677) or 1-800-442-0776.
Tip-offs can include information about Habitat Destruction, Illegally Obtaining Hunting/Angling License(s) or Tag(s), Lending/Borrowing Big Game Tag(s), Spotlighting (Including Thermal/IR, Night Vision Optics), and Snagging/Attempting to Snag Game Fish, and the Unlawful Take/Possession or Waste.
Sources & References
- Press Release from Oregon State Police