In a blatant case of poaching and wanton waste, wildlife organizations aren’t ready to throw in the towel yet. Despite being unable to uncover any leads regarding the beheaded bighorn found last fall in eastern Oregon, the investigation just got a bump in funding.
Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife (OSP) Troopers responded to a call back in November that led them to the corpse. Believed to be a trophy-caliber ram, OSP was joined by the state’s Department of Fish and Wildlife in the investigation.
“It’s so hard to believe that someone would shoot and waste such an amazing animal,” Oregon Wild Sheep Foundation president Martin said in the press release. “The Lookout Mountain herd of bighorn sheep is an area Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF), OR WSF and our partners have been focusing a lot of resources to understand what has caused the ongoing loss of animals and this criminal act just adds to that loss.”
After months of investigation with nothing to show for it, organizations are now throwing their hats in the ring, looking to help. The Oregon Wild Sheep Foundation and the Oregon Hunters’ Foundation have since contributed $2,000 each, while the Oregon Wildlife Coalition also posted up $500.
Bringing the total award to $4,500 for any information that would lead to an arrest, it’s safe to say no one is letting this wasteful act fade into history. Martin remains hopeful that the perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.
“The lack of respect for an animal that represents the beauty, strength and wild lands of Oregon is just sad,” Martin said. “Add to that the loss for all of Oregonians the opportunity to see and interact with an animal, that has been stolen from all of us.”
If caught, the perpetrators could face up to $10,000 in fines and certain license suspensions for the senseless killing. Add in wanton waste charges, and this could be a very expensive lesson if justice ends up being served.
