1MONTHLY FIELD REVIEWMONTHLY FIELD REVIEW JULY 2020JULY 2020

OREGON STATE POLICEFISH & WILDLIFE DIVISION

CONTENTRetirement ............................................................................................................... 3Operation Dry Water Patrol & Rescues .................................................................... 4Rescues ..................................................................................................................... 5Administration and Enforcement of Wildlife Laws ................................................... 6Marine Fisheries Team ............................................................................................. 7Shellfish and Angling ........................................................................................... 8-10Turn in Poachers ..................................................................................................... 11F&W Recruitment ................................................................................................... 12

On the cover: A Fish and Wildlife Trooper issuing a citation on a recent ocean boat patrol off the southern Oregon coast.

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RETIREMENT

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Lieutenant Todd Hoodenpyl retired from the Oregon State Police on July 31, 2020 after nearly 25 years of service with the Oregon State Police. Lt. Hoodenpyl started his career in 1995 as a Patrol Recruit at the Fossil Outpost, before transferring over to the Fish and Wildlife Division in 1999. He later transferred to fish and wildlife positions in McMinnville and Tillamook, where he worked as a Trooper in the field. Hoodenpyl later promoted, and spent almost 11 years as the Fish and Wildlife Sergeant in Tillamook. He concluded his career as the Northwest Region Lieutenant, overseeing Fish and Wildlife Operations across 12 counties and nine Oregon State Police offices.

According to Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division Director Captain Casey Thomas, “Lt. Hoodenpyl was deeply passionate about the work done to protect our State’s natural resources, which is something he brought to work with him every day. Whether it was working big game seasons in the fall, or fish and clams in the spring, Todd showed up to work with a purpose. Over my years of working with him, I have always looked up to Todd and tried to emulate his drive and passion for catching those who violate the game laws.”

Captain Thomas continued, saying; “Lt. Hoodenpyl was not only effective at fish and wildlife enforcement, he was also an effective and influential leader. Many current members of our Division have been impacted in one way or another by Todd’s leadership, and I know the knowledge and experience he has shared will continue to be utilized long after his retirement.”

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OPERATION DRY WATER PATROL & RESCUESColumbia River Boat Patrol and RescuePendleton area Fish and Wildlife Troopers conducted a boat patrol on the Columbia River below McNary Dam to provide visibility for Operation Dry Water over the Independence Day holiday weekend. Over 60 anglers were checked and many boat inspections were completed. Everyone had the required boating equipment and were operating in a safe manner. Three citations were issued for anglers using a barbed hook for Chinook Salmon and three warnings were given to anglers targeting sturgeon in the closed sanctuary. While on the patrol, the Troopers received a call of a boat in distress with no power. They located the boat, performed a swift water rescue, and towed the boat back to the marina. The young gentlemen that had gone out fishing for the day were extremely grateful for the Trooper’s assistance.

Hagg Lake and Willamette River Boat Patrols

Portland area Fish and Wildlife Troopers participated in Operation Dry Water over the Independence Day holiday weekend. This is a nationwide event that is focused on increased boat patrols for boater’s safety. The July 4th holiday weekend statistically shows increased boater traffic and increased boater fatalities with most being attributed to alcohol use. While working with Washington and Clackamas Counties, Troopers made 58 boater contacts on Hagg Lake and the Willamette River with a majority of them being in compliance. Three citations were issued for No Resident Angling License. Thirteen warnings were issued for stand-up paddleboards not having a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) on board, and four warnings were issued for anglers not having a license in possession. There were two separate boat crashes with boats running aground on shallow rocks but alcohol was not a factor. Alcohol was observed on board only five boats, but no signs of impairment were detected.

John Day River Patrol Three Fish and Wildlife Troopers and two Wheeler County Deputies patrolled the John Day River over the Independence Day holiday weekend by floating from Lower Burnt Ranch to Clarno (24 river miles), and worked shore patrol from Kimberly to Service Creek. Troopers contacted 146 boaters, checked 90 boats, and 44 anglers. One arrest was made for BUII/DUII. Citations were issued for Open Container, Driving Uninsured, No Angling License, and No Personal Flotation Device. Multiple warnings were issued for No Daily Float Permit, No Valid Electronic Angling License, Boat Registration, No Personal Flotation Device, and minor traffic violations.

Tenmile Lakes Boat Patrol

Coos Bay Fish and Wildlife Troopers conducted a Boating Under the Influence of Intoxicants (BUII) saturation patrol on Tenmile Lakes as part of Operation Dry Water. No impaired boaters were contacted. Numerous boat and angling contacts were made both days. One citation was issued to an angler off the public dock for Angling Prohibited Method, after he was observed by both troopers fishing with three rods at once. Numerous warnings were given and several voyages terminated. Warnings included: No Non-Resident Angling License, No Resident Angling License, No Type IV PFD, No Fire Extinguisher, No Sound Producing Device, Excessive Speed in Slow No Wake Zone, Insufficient PFD(s), No Boater Education Card, and Fail to Register Boat. A child-sized PFD was lent to a youth occupant, so they could complete their voyage. Three boaters were lent a type IV PFD to be able to complete their voyages. The troopers also responded to a boat taking on water, which had made it to shore.

Woman Rescued on Jubilee Lake Boat Patrol La Grande Fish and Wildlife Troopers conducted a drift boat patrol on Jubilee Lake in Union County over the Independence Day weekend. During the patrol ten boats were inspected, 24 anglers were checked, three angling license citations were issued, and multiple warnings for angling and marine board violations were issued. During the patrol, Troopers observed an elderly women fall and injure her hip. She had hiked some distance with family to angle in the lake and was not able to walk back to their vehicle after the fall. Troopers helped her into their boat and took her to the boat ramp where the family was able to drive to the water to get her into their vehicle.

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RESCUES

Drift Boat Crash - Umpqua River

A Fish and Wildlife Trooper responded with the Douglas County Sheriff ’s Office to a report of a drift boat crash on the Umpqua River near Elk Creek. Prior to arrival, the subjects were able to get to shore but their drift boat was still stuck. The following day, the Trooper returned with gear and was able to free the drift boat with the help of an off duty Springfield firefighter. The Trooper used a rope come-along anchored to a rock, a piece of plywood to make a dam to keep the water from flowing in the boat, and a 5-gallon bucket to bale the boat out once the dam was created. The boat owner then rowed the boat down river to the dock.

Troopers Assist Drift Boaters on Deschutes River

Fish and Wildlife Troopers from The Dalles and a Wasco County Marine Deputy assisted a couple that had flipped their drift boat in Rattlesnake Rapids on the Deschutes River. The drift boat made its way down river, three miles, to the top of Moody Island. Troopers and the Deputy assisted with the recovery of the drift boat. Another boater in the area assisted with the recovery of lost items from the drift boat. No injuries were reported and the couple was grateful for the assistance.

Hiker Missing for Three Days Found Safe Enterprise Fish and Wildlife Troopers assisted the Wallowa County Search and Rescue locate a missing man. The man drove to the Hat Point lookout located at the rim of Hells Canyon and for an unknown reason started hiking towards the river when he became lost. The man was missing for three days when he was found Saturday evening at the river’s edge. He was shaken, but otherwise unharmed. He was taken to the Hells Canyon dam by a local jet boat guide and reunited with friends.

Trooper Transports Injured Hiker Fish and Wildlife Troopers from The Dalles were flagged down by the camp host at Laurance Lake. An injured hiker had made his way down from the Timberline trail and was waiting for contact with Hood River County Search and Rescue (SAR) to get a ride back to his vehicle at Timberline Lodge. Troopers gave the subject a ride back to his vehicle in coordination with SAR to free up their resources for another rescue that was ongoing.

Overdue Juvenile Kayakers Found Safe

A North Plains Fish and Wildlife Trooper was on a boat patrol and assisted in locating two overdue juvenile kayakers. The kayakers were found safe and the trooper assisted with returning them to shore to reunite with their grandmother.

Lost Elk Calf Finds a Home at Wildlife Safari

Roseburg Fish and Wildlife Troopers responded to a report of a subject with an elk calf at his residence in Yoncalla. Upon arrival, the subject stated that an elk calf had appeared on his property about a month prior and hadn’t left. He was hoping the elk herd would come back to find the calf, but they didn’t. The subject stated that the calf played with his dogs, ate his horse food, and drank from the water trough. He added it had started to break things and he wanted it gone. Troopers located the calf resting in the shade behind the subject’s house, in an unfenced yard. The calf was friendly and came right up to the Troopers. One of the Troopers called ODFW who coordinated with the Wildlife Safari. The calf was picked up the following day and taken to the Wildlife Safari to join their elk herd.

ADMINISTRATION & ENFORCEMENT OF WILDLIFE LAWS

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Search Warrant Served in Bighorn Sheep Case

Two Fish and Wildlife Troopers from The Dalles and Hermiston have been working jointly on a bighorn sheep case out of Condon since January, 2018 when one of the Troopers received the complaint. A search warrant was served on the suspect residence in John Day with the assistance of Fish and Wildlife Troopers from the John Day office. As a result, the suspect was cited and released for Hunting on the Enclosed Lands of Another and Unlawful Take of Bighorn Sheep to wit: Hunting on the Enclosed Lands of Another. A bighorn sheep mount was seized as well as other evidentiary items.

Elk and Antelope Skulls Checked for CWD

A Fish and Wildlife Sergeant received a request for assistance on a vehicle that had been stopped by Malheur County Sheriff ’s Office on Hwy 95 near the Nevada border. The two occupants had a large bull elk skull and two antelope buck skulls in the bed of their truck. Further investigation working with Nevada Fish and Game Officers and other authorities revealed they had lawfully killed the animals on the Gochute Tribal Reservation along the Utah/Nevada border. The elk skull still had some meat attached to it and the hunters were instructed to meet the ODFW biologist and a Trooper in Hines for further investigation to determine if the brain tissue had been removed. The hunters complied and the biologist found the interior of the skull had been cleaned out with only very remnant tissue remaining. The skull was treated/sanitized and the hunters were educated on the dangers of the Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) transmission. One adult male was warned for Unlawful Import of CWD Wildlife Parts.

Baby Skunk Kept as Pet Surrendered to Troopers

Astoria Fish and Wildlife Troopers received information from ODFW regarding a woman in Clatsop County who was in possession of a wild baby skunk and keeping it as a pet. Keeping skunks obtained from the wild is prohibited. Evidence was then gathered from the woman’s social media profile which supported the information. The Troopers and an ODFW District Wildlife Biologist contacted the woman at her residence in the evening. After being advised of the law, the woman surrendered the skunk without incident. The skunk was transferred to an animal carrier and transported by ODFW to their rehabilitation center in Corvallis, Oregon.

Deer Fawn Unlawfully Taken

A La Grande Sergeant completed an investigation regarding a fawn in captivity. Two individuals had taken a fawn to a local gas station in Union and patrons called to complain. The surveillance camera was reviewed and it clearly showed the two individuals pull into the gas station, take the fawn out of their car, into the gas station where patrons photographed it. After locating the vehicle the two suspects were interviewed. The individuals first said they knew nothing of the fawn but after revealing the surveillance video both said they had taken the fawn into town. They explained that they had found the fawn at a nearby lake and believed the mother had been killed. After taking it to the gas station they learned that it was common practice for a doe to leave their fawn to hide while they went to forage. When they learned of this they took the fawn back to where they found it and left it. The regulations regarding taking wildlife from their habitat was explained to them and the individual who first took the fawn was issued a citation for the offense.

Bear Shot After Chasing Dog

A Central Point Fish and Wildlife Sergeant responded to a bear that was shot in Cave Junction on a human safety issue. The bear chased a pet dog up the homeowner’s porch. The bear was field dressed and salvaged and donated to charity.

Trooper Attends Hunter Education Class

A Salem Fish and Wildlife Trooper participated in a Hunter Education class at a local gun club with approximately 15 students in attendance.

MARINE FISHERIES TEAM

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Ocean Boat Patrol - Florence Fish and Wildlife Troopers conducted a boat patrol on the Pacific Ocean out of Florence targeting halibut and salmon enforcement. During the patrol a boat with three salmon anglers on board was observed using four rods. The group was contacted and the Troopers discovered another angler retained a Chinook salmon and had not recorded it on his harvest card. When the anglers were asked why they had four rods out one angler stated he had the two rod endorsement. The Troopers explained that it wasn’t valid on the ocean nor while angling for salmon. When asked why the Chinook wasn’t tagged the fisherman stated they weren’t done fishing. Citations were issued to the involved anglers for Angling Prohibited Method: Two Lines/Rods and Failing to Immediately Validate Harvest Card. Another salmon angler was contacted on a separate vessel and issued a citation for Angling Prohibited Method: Barbed Hooks.

Good Compliance During Second Halibut Opener

Troopers from the Marine Fisheries Team conducted a Guardian patrol out of Newport during the second Commercial Halibut opener. Sport anglers and commercial vessels were contacted and compliance was high.

Commercial Captain Cited for Barbed Hooks

A Fish and Wildlife Trooper observed a commercial vessel trolling for salmon and subsequently boarded the vessel, discovering the captain had placed a barbed hook on his fourth spread of each line. In addition, one line was discovered with five spreads. The captain was cited for Commercial Angling Prohibited Method: Barbed Hooks and warned for angling with more than four spreads per line.

Washington Resident Cited for Crab Violations

Troopers observed a Washington registered boat returning to Garibaldi. It was determined the boat was licensed with a non-resident Dungeness crab permit and that the boat currently had crab on board. The operator pulled the boat onto a trailer and began driving northbound on Highway 101. A Trooper followed the vehicle and trailer, which made no stops and went directly into Washington. Days later, the boat and fisher were located in Garibaldi. The suspect was contacted and through investigation it was determined the suspect had made five separate fishing trips out of Garibaldi and had caught several hundred pounds of crab each time. The suspect then transported the crab to Washington where he reported the landings on a Washington fish ticket. The suspect also failed to complete logbooks for the five fishing trips. The suspect was issued citations for Failure to Sell Foodfish to an Oregon Wholesale Fish Dealer and Failure to Maintain Logbooks.

Off-Shore Patrol Nets Multiple Violators

Members of the MFT conducted a multi-day offshore patrol on the Patrol Vessel Guardian from Newport to Florence to Winchester Bay. The enforcement focus was on sport halibut and sport and commercial salmon. The team also received two calls of possible infractions in the Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve which later was determined unfounded. Fishing pressure was high due to the flat ocean conditions. During that patrol, Troopers encountered numerous sport angling offenses that included the following:

• Angling Prohibited Method: Barbed Hooks• Fail to Properly Validate Harvest Card• Fail to Immediately Validate Harvest Card• Aiding in a Wildlife Offense: Fail to Validate Harvest Card; Angling Barbed Hooks• Unlawful Possession of Canary Rockfish

SHELLFISH & ANGLING

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Salmon Snagging a Problem on Fall Creek

Continued enforcement effort was directed toward the protection of adult spring Chinook salmon on Fall Creek above Fall Creek Reservoir. Fish and Wildlife Troopers patrolled the area and posted “Closed to Salmon Angling” signs under the 1828 bridge where numerous unlawful salmon angling cases were made during previous weeks. A total of four signs were posted to inform anglers that salmon angling was unlawful.

Fish and Wildlife Troopers and K-9 Buck patrolled the area on a subsequent evening. No illegal salmon angling activity was observed while working in the area, but two of the “Closed to Salmon Angling” signs posted earlier in the week were missing.

Troopers returned to the 1828 Bridge on Fall Creek early the next morning and watched the hole underneath the bridge. A subject was observed actively angling for the salmon directly across from a posted regulation sign, snagged one and lost it, then snagged another salmon and landed and killed it. After the subject killed the salmon he packed up his gear and headed for his vehicle. The subject was contacted and cited criminally for Unlawful Take/Possession of Wild Chinook Salmon Closed Stream and for Taking Snagged Fish Chinook Salmon. The salmon along with the subject’s rod and terminal gear were seized as evidence.

SHELLFISH & ANGLING

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Yaquina Bay Shellfish Saturation Patrol

A Newport Fish and Wildlife Trooper conducted a two night focused saturation concentrating on shellfish compliance in Yaquina Bay. In total, 343 crab were seized and returned back to the bay. The following offenses were observed and enforcement action was taken:

• No Resident Shellfish License: 5• Take/Possession of Female Dungeness Crab: 10• Take/Possession of Undersized Dungeness Crab: 11• Exceeding Daily Bag Limit of Crab: 3• Aiding/Counseling in a Wildlife Offense: 2

Two Cited at Sheridan Pond

A Fish and Wildlife Trooper was checking local anglers at various ponds in Yamhill County. During the day, the Trooper stopped at Sheridan Pond and was watching anglers from a distance. Once the Trooper had witnessed everyone fishing, he drove in and contacted them. Two subjects immediately started to leave, and the Trooper contacted them first. The two subjects were subsequently cited for No Angling License.

Unlawful Angling - Leaburg Dam A Springfield Fish and Wildlife Trooper received information from a witness stating he and his wife had watched a subject angling at the base of Leaburg Dam near the fish ladder. The witness said the angler had caught one salmon. Photos provided by the witness were used to identify the subject. The Trooper located and interviewed the subject who admitted to catching the salmon at the fish ladder. The salmon was seized and the subject was criminally cited for Angling Prohibited Area: within 200 Feet of Fish Way.

Multiple Clam Violations on July 4th Weekend An Astoria Fish and Wildlife Trooper worked recreational razor clam diggers in Seaside on the morning of and after the July 4th holiday. He issued seven citations for clamming offenses that included: Exceeding the Daily Bag Limit of Razor Clams, Digging Clams for Another, Failure to Use Own Container, and Failure to Retain First 15 Clams Dug. Over a dozen warnings were issued for the same offenses. Most of which were for Digging Clams for Another and Failure to Use Own Container; as approximately eight large separate groups of people were contacted after sharing their containers while primarily one person dug most, if not all, the clams while not carrying a container.

Boat Patrol Focuses on Closure Violations Fish and Wildlife Troopers worked a boat patrol on the Columbia River in The Dalles pool to focus on the thermal estuary closure at the mouth of the Deschutes. Troopers checked 28 anglers, inspected 12 boats, and issued one citation for Angling with More Than One Line/Rod, and warnings for Angling Closed Area: Sanctuary and No Combined Angling Harvest Card.

Commercial Crab Violations - Brookings A Gold Beach Fish and Wildlife Trooper completed an investigation regarding Commercial Dungeness Crab. The Trooper discovered information via the ODFW fish ticketing system that a commercial fishing vessel at the Port of Brookings had not landed Dungeness Crab in 110 days, but the fishing vessel still had crab pots in the ocean. The captain was contacted, and a log book inspection revealed that the boat had actually been making landings but the fish tickets from the wholesale dealer, whom they were selling their catch to, had not been submitted as required. Further inspection revealed that the captain had not submitted any of his log book entries for the entire season. The subject had already been warned for the same offense last year. The captain was issued a citation for Fail to Submit Crab Logbook. Following the contact with the captain, the wholesale dealer (a family member and co-owner of the fishing vessel) was approached regarding the missing fish tickets. Investigation showed that the dealer had not been submitting fish tickets for only that boat during the previous four months. Thousands of pounds of crab had gone unaccounted for. The subject stated that he was just being lazy because it was his boat that the product was coming from. The subject was issued a citation for Fail to Submit Dungeness Crab Fish Ticket Within One Business Day of Date of Landing. The fish tickets were ultimately completed and turned in by the dealer.

SHELLFISH & ANGLING

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Coho Salmon Seized - Newport

A Fish and Wildlife Trooper contacted a boat returning to South Beach Marina in Newport. Three subjects had caught five Coho salmon earlier in the day and when asked if the salmon had been tagged the subjects stated they had not yet validated their catch. One of the three subjects did not have a Combined Angling Tag. One subject was cited for No Combined Angling Tag and warned for Take/Possession of Game Fish: Coho Salmon and the other subjects were cited for Fail to Immediately Validate Harvest Card. A Coho salmon was seized and donated to charity.

Undersized Dungeness Crab - Netarts Bay

While checking clam diggers on Netarts Bay, a Fish and Wildlife Trooper contacted a subject with ten undersized Dungeness crab mixed into their bag limit of clams in a bucket. The crab were very small and were barely alive. The subject stated that they were going to release them and didn’t know they couldn’t possess them. The subject was cited for Take/Possession of Undersized Dungeness Crab.

Subject Observed Not Tagging Salmon as Required

A St. Helens Fish and Wildlife Trooper conducted surveillance on several boats angling for salmon on the Columbia River at a place named “The Outlaw Hole.” One subject landed and kept two salmon early in the day, did not appear to tag his fish, and continued to angle. Contact was made with the subject and his buddy as they were trailering their boat several hours later. The subject who kept the salmon claimed that he had not been angling because he had left his harvest card at home. His partner claimed that he had landed one adult and one jack salmon and confirmed that his buddy had not been fishing. The subjects admitted the truth after a short recap of the day’s events by the Trooper. Both subjects were cited for Loan/Borrow of a Harvest Card. The angler who landed the salmon was also warned for No Resident License in Possession.

Undersized Dungeness Crab - Winchester Bay A Fish and Wildlife Trooper contacted a group of subjects as they finished crabbing in Winchester Bay. When initially contacted, one subject advised they only caught three crab, despite being out all day and high catch rates for most other crabbers. That subject then changed his story and advised his group caught over 30 crab. A consent search revealed 33 crab for the group, ten of which were undersized. One subject took responsibility for measuring all the crab and was issued a citation for Take/Possession of Undersized Dungeness Crab.

Unlawful Take of Sturgeon A Fish and Wildlife Sergeant in The Dalles responded to a complaint of individuals catching and retaining sturgeon on the Columbia River. The subjects were contacted and found to have kept one sturgeon. One suspect was cited for No Resident Angling License and the other that kept the sturgeon was cited criminally for Take/Possession of Sturgeon and No Resident Angling License. The sturgeon was released.

Subjects Over Limit of Copper Rockfish

An ODFW port sampler in Yaquina Bay contacted a boat returning to South Beach Marina with an overage of copper rockfish. A Fish and Wildlife Trooper arrived on scene and contacted three subjects who were in possession of eleven copper rockfish. The daily bag limit for copper rockfish was one per person at the time. Eight copper rockfish were seized and donated to charity. One subject took responsibility and was cited for Exceeding Daily Limit of Fish: Copper Rockfish and the other two subjects were warned for the same offense.

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TURN IN POACHERS5 Points-Bighorn Sheep5 Points-Rocky Mountain Goat5 Points-Moose5 Points-Wolf4 Points-Elk4 Points-Deer4 Points-Antelope4 Points-Bear4 Points-Cougar

$1,000 Bighorn Sheep $1,000 Rocky Mountain Goat$1,000 Moose$500 Elk, Deer & Antelope $300 Bear, Cougar & Wolf $300 Habitat Destruction $200 Illegally Obtaining License/Tags$200 Unlawful Lend/Borrow Big Game Tag(s)$100 Game Fish & Shellfish$100 Upland Birds, Waterfowl & Fur Bearers

PREFERENCE POINTS CASH REWARDS-OR-

The TIP program offers preference point rewards or cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of big game mammals.

WHAT SHOULD I REPORT?- Nature of violation or activity observed or advised about- Location of activity (Road, Milepost, GPS, etc.)- Date and time of violation/activity- Description of any vehicle involved- Name and/or description of violator

Click here to access the TIP form

Oregon State Police work hand-in-hand with the Oregon Hunters Association and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to ensure the preservation of wildlife resources.

1-800-452-7888 or *OSP(677) TIP@state.or.us

Interested in becoming an Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Trooper?

For information, please visit our website at: www.osptrooper.com

Questions? Please call 503-378-4474 or email osp.trooper@state.or.us

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Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife Division