CLACKAMAS COUNTY, OR - The Oregon State Police recently concluded a months long investigation into poaching involving thermal devices. Troopers served several search warrants and made multiple arrests during the investigation with more expected.
The use of infrared or thermal devices to hunt, locate, or scout wildlife provides a person with a significant unfair, unethical advantage over other unethical hunting behaviors as it completely voids the animal’s natural ability to hide or conceal itself. Use of thermal and infrared devices is prohibited by law.
Over the last two years, the Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division has received an increasing number of complaints regarding the unlawful use of infrared thermal imaging devices, commonly known as Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR), to hunt or scout for big game animals with several complaints originating in the Clackamas County area.
In the fall of 2024, Fish and Wildlife Troopers began investigating several individuals who were reportedly using infrared technology to kill deer and elk. Some of the suspects shared a connection while some were working individually.
On December 15 and 16, 2024, the Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division executed search warrants at nine residences in Clackamas County. As a result of this investigation, 14 infrared thermal imaging devices, four deer, and one rifle were seized related to the use of FLIR devices for scouting and hunting wildlife.
Criminal wildlife charges will be forwarded to the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office on 13 individuals for the use of infrared thermal imaging while scouting or hunting big game animals. In connection to this investigation the Oregon State Police contacted three individuals while in the field hunting or scouting for wildlife who were criminally cited and released. In those cases, two infrared thermal imaging devices were seized.
The Oregon State Police works diligently to protect Oregon’s wildlife by pursuing leads and investigating infrared thermal device and other wildlife poaching cases. 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.”
Due to the on-going status of these cases, no further information is available for release.
Those with information regarding a wildlife and/or habitat law violations or suspicious activity can call OSP dispatch directly at *OSP (*677) or 1-800-442-0776. Callers can remain anonymous and a cash reward or preference point reward may be offered for information leading to a citation or arrest in a qualifying case.
TIP qualifying cases can include: Unlawful Take/Possession or Waste, Habitat Destruction, Illegally Obtaining Hunting/Angling License(s) or Tag(s), Lending/Borrowing Big Game Tag(s), Spotlighting (Including Thermal/IR, Night Vision Optics), and Snagging/Attempting to Snag Game Fish.
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About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that protects Oregon's people, wildlife, and natural resources. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.
