published Dec. 23, 2003
Mule deer buck killed near Klamath Wildlife Area in
October
By DYLAN DARLING
Oregon State Police game officers are looking for tips
about who killed a mule deer buck near the Klamath Wildlife Area in late
October.
The deer was one of a herd that frequents the Collins
Products mill site across the Klamath River from the wildlife area, said Tom
Collom, district wildlife biologist for the Oregon Department of Fish and
Wildlife.
But the deer wasn't your run-of-the-mill buck. It was a
ten-by-seven - ten points on one antler, seven on the other.
Many workers at the mill had taken photos of the buck when
it still had velvet on its antlers and munched on plants near the mill in
early fall, he said.
"The folks who work at the mill call that deer herd their
own," Collom said.
There are about 30 or 40 deer in the herd, he said. They
like to cluster in the grove of cottonwood trees by the mill and the river.
The dead deer was spotted on the south bank in late
October by a duck hunter who reported it to department officials. After an
initial scan of the riverbank, officials didn't see the buck.
When officials went back a second time a week later they
were able to smell it and found its decomposing carcass.
Collom said the buck was probably shot with a rifle. But
he said it wasn't clear which side of the river the buck was on when it was
shot.
He said officials were barely able to determine it was
shot because of the decomposition.
No witnesses have come forward and little is known about
who might have shot the buck.
"State police doesn't have much to go on," Collom said.
Poaching cases are usually solved by a tip from the the
public, he said. And he said troopers hope they can find someone who knows
something about the big buck.
Those with information should call the Oregon State Police
at 883-5713 and ask for a game officer. They also can call the Oregon "turn
in poachers," or TIP line toll free at (800) 452-7888.
Collom said the Oregon Hunters Association offers rewards
for people whose information leads to the arrest of poachers.
Those who call either number may remain anonymous, he
said.
