Polk County, OR. — The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying those responsible for the unlawful take of deer in rural Polk County.
According to OSP, on Friday, October 24, 2025, a landowner heard three gunshots on his private property near Burbank Road and Gage Road. When he went to investigate, he saw an older white Dodge or Chrysler Town and Country–style minivan parked along the county road with both driver and passenger doors open. No one was seen nearby, but the same vehicle was later observed driving east on Burbank Road toward Highway 223.
Polk County deputies responded and found two dead does on the property. An OSP Fish and Wildlife trooper field-dressed the deer, which were later donated to the Salem Union Gospel Mission for food. The investigation remains open.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Turn-In-Poachers (TIP) line at 1-800-452-7888, dial OSP (677) from a mobile phone, or email TIP@osp.oregon.gov and reference case number SP25-446304.
The TIP program is a partnership between the Oregon State Police, Oregon Hunters Association, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Wildlife Coalition, Oregon Outfitters and Guides Association, and the Oregon State Marine Board. It offers preference points or cash rewards for information leading to citations or arrests in poaching and habitat destruction cases.
Reward details and reporting instructions are available on the Oregon State Police Turn-In-Poachers webpage.
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