11/19/08 Sisters
By Allison Martin
 
The U.S. Forest Service land behind the Sisters Rodeo Grounds off Highway 20 is a popular place for activities. "We horseback ride and trail ride in the area back there, it's a good place to walk your animals, bicycle ride and just enjoy, ATV ride and everything," said neighbor Dave Kane.
 
It's also the scene of illegal activities which is spoiling the fun for many. Neighbors say they worry about cars speeding by and underaged teens drinking in the area. "It is a concern to know that they're back there because they don't pick up their trash and there's some littering but on the other hand you know that they're going to be back in there especially at night so we don't go back there in the evenings," said Kane.
 
A crime with a bigger punishment is the poaching of three femal elk-- their carcasses were found on the land earlier this week. "It looks like they were in the state of decomposition, scavangers had gotten to them already and it makes it extremely difficult to determine what caused the death," said Sergeant David Pond with the Oregon State Police Department's Wildlife Office.
 
It's the job of the Oregon State Police Wildlife Officers to investigate this crime. They say they investigate hundreds of potential poaching cases every year. It's currently not elk hunting season, so the killing of the animals is a crime and the person responsible could face jail time and thousands of dollars in fines if caught. "People think that if they get away with it for a day or two that they're free and clear where on the other hand we do search warrants and make housecalls and contact a lot of people after the fact and get them for illegally taking these animals," said Pond.
 
Deschutes County Sheriff's Deputies say they do patrol the roads surrounding the land regularly.
 
If you have any information that could lead to an arrest in this poaching or if you see poaching happening you could be eligible for a reward. Just call the tip hotline at 1-800-452-7888.