BEND, Ore. — A mule deer buck was poached on Monday, Nov. 16 in the Bend area of central Oregon. OSP Troopers ask for the public’s assistance in finding the truck that drove away with the dead deer in the back.

A citizen reported seeing the animal in the back of an older two-toned square-bodied Ford pickup truck with a black Dakine mountain bike tailgate cover. The crime occurred near the 4606 Rd along Bull Springs Rd, which is west of Bend. According to the report, the vehicle was in the area at about 3:30 p.m. Most deer hunting seasons ended in October in this area.

Anyone with information on the vehicle, or who noticed someone with a large mule deer near Bull Springs Rd on Monday, can contact Oregon State Police by calling the TIP number at 1-800-452-7888 or *OSP. Or you can send an email to: TIP@osp.oregon.gov between the hours of 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. Leave information for Senior Trooper Creed Cummings.

The Stop Poaching Campaign educates the public on how to recognize and report poaching. This campaign is a collaboration among hunters, conservationists, land owners and recreationists. Our goal is to increase reporting of wildlife crimes through the TIP Line, increase detection by increasing the number of OSP Fish and Wildlife Troopers and increase prosecution. This campaign helps to protect and enhance Oregon’s fish and wildlife and their habitat for the enjoyment of present and future generations. Oregon Hunters Association manages the TIP Line rewards program. Contact campaign coordinator Yvonne Shaw for more information. Yvonne.l.Shaw@state.or.us.