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OSP tracks poacher
Illegal trapping allegedly occurred near Nevada border
TRACY WIDNER, ARGUS OBSERVER
ONTARIO
Oregon Fish and Wildlife officers are investigating a case of illegal trapping of bobcats in a remote section of Harney County, near the Nevada line.
Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Officer Phil Grove said the case allegedly involves a trapper, believed to be from Nevada, who has been working an area near Fields.
Grove said he has pulled traps which contained three illegally trapped bobcats and a paw from a fourth cat. Two coyotes were also trapped, he said.
"The animals were found during a routine check," Grove said. "We are looking at this individual being in violation of several laws."
First, Grove said, Oregon law requires trappers to check their lines at least once every 48 hours. Grove said by the condition of the coyotes it is apparent the suspect had left his traps longer than that.
The traps, he said, also violate statutes on jaw spacing.
"We require the steel jaw traps to have a jaw spacing of three-sixteenths of an inch," Grove said. "This is to allow enough room for raptors who might get in the traps to escape."
Grove said there is also an issue of exceeding the bag limit. Oregon, he said, allows individuals to trap only five bobcats a year. This suspect, he said, has undoubtedly exceeded that limit.
The bobcat season in Oregon ends Friday, he said.
"At the current rate, bobcat skins are worth about $340 each," Grove said, "so there is an incentive to catch them right now."
Technically, Grove said, what has been happening near Fields is commonly called poaching.
"These are all serious charges," Grove said, "especially leaving the traps unchecked for more than 48 hours. Under Oregon law that constitutes aggravated animal abuse in the first degree and that is a Class C felony. Which he could face up to $5,000 and jail time on each Class C charge, if convicted."
Grove said rules and regulations regarding fish and wildlife are established so there is an equitable harvest of game such as bobcats, coyotes, ducks and geese and resources are not drained. When trappers step over the line, Grove said it hurts other people's chances to enjoy the state's fish and wildlife.
Grove urged anyone with information on illegal trapping to immediately contact local authorities. Often, he said, time is of the essence in these cases.
The Oregon Hunters Association also sponsors a hotline where it is possible to remain anonymous while turning in poachers. The number is (800) 452-7888.
Illegal trapping allegedly occurred near Nevada border
TRACY WIDNER, ARGUS OBSERVER
ONTARIO
Oregon Fish and Wildlife officers are investigating a case of illegal trapping of bobcats in a remote section of Harney County, near the Nevada line.
Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Officer Phil Grove said the case allegedly involves a trapper, believed to be from Nevada, who has been working an area near Fields.
Grove said he has pulled traps which contained three illegally trapped bobcats and a paw from a fourth cat. Two coyotes were also trapped, he said.
"The animals were found during a routine check," Grove said. "We are looking at this individual being in violation of several laws."
First, Grove said, Oregon law requires trappers to check their lines at least once every 48 hours. Grove said by the condition of the coyotes it is apparent the suspect had left his traps longer than that.
The traps, he said, also violate statutes on jaw spacing.
"We require the steel jaw traps to have a jaw spacing of three-sixteenths of an inch," Grove said. "This is to allow enough room for raptors who might get in the traps to escape."
Grove said there is also an issue of exceeding the bag limit. Oregon, he said, allows individuals to trap only five bobcats a year. This suspect, he said, has undoubtedly exceeded that limit.
The bobcat season in Oregon ends Friday, he said.
"At the current rate, bobcat skins are worth about $340 each," Grove said, "so there is an incentive to catch them right now."
Technically, Grove said, what has been happening near Fields is commonly called poaching.
"These are all serious charges," Grove said, "especially leaving the traps unchecked for more than 48 hours. Under Oregon law that constitutes aggravated animal abuse in the first degree and that is a Class C felony. Which he could face up to $5,000 and jail time on each Class C charge, if convicted."
Grove said rules and regulations regarding fish and wildlife are established so there is an equitable harvest of game such as bobcats, coyotes, ducks and geese and resources are not drained. When trappers step over the line, Grove said it hurts other people's chances to enjoy the state's fish and wildlife.
Grove urged anyone with information on illegal trapping to immediately contact local authorities. Often, he said, time is of the essence in these cases.
The Oregon Hunters Association also sponsors a hotline where it is possible to remain anonymous while turning in poachers. The number is (800) 452-7888.
