Oregon State Police investigates hunting crimes in Clackamas County

(JANUARY 10, 2025)  The Oregon State Police finished a long investigation last month into illegal hunting (poaching) using thermal devices. Poaching means catching or killing animals illegally, often on someone else's land without permission. Officers searched several places and arrested multiple people, with more searches and arrests expected. 

Thermal devices, like infrared imaging, are illegal for hunting because they give hunters an unfair advantage by making it easy to spot animals, removing the animals' natural ability to hide. 

Over the past two years, complaints about using these devices, called Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR), to hunt big game animals have increased. Many complaints came from Clackamas County. In fall 2024, officers started investigating people using this technology to kill deer and elk. Some suspects worked together, while others acted alone.

On December 15 and 16, 2024, police searched nine homes in Clackamas County. They seized 14 thermal devices, four deer, and one rifle. Thirteen people will face charges for using these devices to hunt. Police also stopped three people hunting in the field, seized two more devices, and cited them for breaking the law.

Captain Kyle Kennedy said, “This case highlights the Fish and Wildlife Division’s ability to adapt to modern poaching threats and effectively investigate and seek criminal prosecution of poachers.”