The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is asking for the public’s help in locating whoever was responsible for unlawful wounding a buck deer outside of La Grande in the Starkey Unit located in Union County.
According to Sgt. Chris Hawkins, a concerned citizen reported the mortally-wounded buck only a couple miles off Interstate 84, a short distance up Ladd Creek Road. OSP Fish and Wildlife Troopers responded and determined the buck was shot with a .17 caliber rifle twice in the head, on or before June 3. There are no legal deer hunting seasons occurring during this time of year.
A reward is being offered by the Oregon Hunters Association through the Turn-in-Poachers (TIP) program for any information leading to an arrest and conviction in this case. Callers can remain anonymous. The TIP program number is 1-800-452-7888.
Anyone with any information is encouraged to contacted Senior Trooper Kris Davis at the Oregon State Police office in La Grande at 541-805-4757.