The State of Oregon is poised to crack down on fish and wildlife poachers. Following the approval of $4.4 million in congressional funding, the Oregon Department of Justice, State Police, and Department of Fish and Wildlife will be working together to stop the illegal taking of wild game.
Poaching has long been a problem here: According to a six-year study by the National Resources Defense Council, poaching accounts for 20 percent of mule deer deaths in Oregon. In 2015 alone, illegal harvest was estimated at: 500 deer, 200 elk, 15 mountain lions, 19 bear, and two wolves.
This kind of hunting, in addition to being illegal, is unfair to sportsmen who obey the laws. Ignoring bag limits and documentation also degrades the ecological balance of Oregon’s many rich wildlife populations.
Funds Allocated Three Ways: $2.2 million is slated for the addition of four new fish and wildlife troopers, another sergeant, and a “roving district attorney” position. This will bring the total number of wildlife officers to 126, statewide. Funds will also be used to install trail cameras in remote areas that are popular with poachers, but not feasible to monitor in person.
Yvonne Shaw of the Fish and Wildlife Department will oversee the education and awareness component of the campaign. The aim is to present wildlife management as important to a greater population than just anglers and hunters. It is hoped that engaging a broader scope of land users will help to build consensus among hunters and non-hunters. Any Oregonian who notices poaching going on should feel empowered to report the crime.
By Peter Bask
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