Two Eastern Oregon men were arrested in connection with a long-standing poaching case.
Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife troopers in Baker City concluded a 10-month investigation involving the unlawful taking and wasting of multiple buck deer in a closed season. The investigation began in November of 2014 following a tip that came into the “Turn In Poacher Program.” The tip was alleging that certain individuals were suspected of poaching activity involving deer.
As a result of the tip and the investigation, two Baker City residents have been charged with numerous wildlife offenses. Dustin Reid Hellbusch, 18, was charged with the following: 10 counts of Take/Possession of buck deer, 8 counts of Waste of a Big Game Mammal-deer, and 1 count of Tampering with Physical Evidence.
Taylor Michael Morris, 18, was charged with the following: 8 counts of Take/Possession of buck deer, 7 counts of Waste of a Big Game Mammal-deer, and 1 count of Tampering with Physical Evidence. Additional charges are expected for additional suspects.
The Oregon State Police is seeking the public’s help and requesting anyone who may have further information regarding this incident contact Senior Trooper McNeil at 541-523-5867 ext. 4171 or call the TIP Hotline at 1-800-452-7888 or TIP E-mail at TIP@state.or.us.
