Oregon officials are seeking help from the public in finding a poacher who “fled the scene” after killing a deer on private property and removing its head.
State Troopers continue to investigate the incident, which occurred Dec. 9, 2021, in Lane County.
The suspect is described as being 5-foot-1 with brown hair and beard. He was driving a late 1990s white Chevrolet flatbed pickup.
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife stated in a news release issued Feb. 2 that the man shot the buck close to a private residence and alongside a driveway leading to other homes.
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The suspect “fled the scene” on foot, and later in his truck, after he was encountered by a passerby, the ODFW explained. The man left behind the deer carcass and head, which he likely removed to keep as a trophy.
Senior Trooper Josh Wolcott and a Conservation K-9 named Buck conducted a field survey and Wolcott collected evidence. Wolcott field-dressed the carcass and the meat was donated to local charities.
“The silver lining to poaching cases like this – where we are able to locate the animal while it’s still salvageable – is that the meat is put to good use,” he said.
A $500 reward is being offered to the person who can provide information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect.