Reward Offered in Poaching of Beloved Neighborhood Deer

December 11, 2008

The Humane Society of the United States and The HSUS Wildlife Land Trust are offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for illegally killing a tame deer in Gold Hill, Ore. in early October.

The Case:
According to published media reports, the blacktail deer was shot and killed at about 2 a.m. on Oct.  8 in a Hodson Road field. The poacher or poachers severed the head and took the deer's antlers. For three years, the buck had lived among the horses in the backyards and pastures of Hodson Road. He ate acorns in one resident's backyard and slept behind a barn. The Oregon State Police is asking for help from the public to track down the person or people responsible. The buck had an unusually wide antler rack, and officials are hoping that someone will remember seeing or hearing about the rare antlers and call in a tip.

"This brutal case showcases the callous nature of poachers and their often flippant participation in the serious crime of killing a beloved, tame deer," said Scott Beckstead, Pacific Northwest regional director for The HSUS. "The Humane Society of the United States applauds the Oregon State Police for strongly enforcing anti-poaching laws."

Poaching:
Every year, thousands of poachers are arrested nationwide; however, it is estimated that only 1 to 5 percent of poachers are caught. Poachers kill wildlife anytime, anywhere and sometimes do so in particularly cruel manners.

The Investigators:
Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the TIP hotline at (800) 452-7888 or the local Oregon State Police office at (541) 776-6236.

The HSUS works to stop wildlife abuse across the country. Visit humanesociety.org/wildlifeabuse for more information.

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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the web at humanesociety.org.

Since its founding in 1993, the Wildlife Land Trust has worked with private landowners to create 99 permanent wildlife sanctuaries where recreational and commercial hunting and trapping will always be prohibited. In addition, the Wildlife Land Trust works in collaboration with a variety of partners to protect many other vulnerable lands to benefit wildlife. Proud of its affiliation with The Humane Society of the United States, the Wildlife Land Trust joins in campaigns to protect wildlife from cruel and indefensible practices such as poaching, steel-jawed leghold traps, Internet hunting and canned shoots.