Poachers Arrested, Feb. 12

Oregon State Police (OSP) Fish and Wildlife Troopers in Deschutes and Klamath Counties arrest La Pine man and others relating to Mule Deer Poaching. In Mid-December 2014, Senior Troopers Hayes and Bean received information that GENE A. PARSONS, 37, of La Pine, had been involved in the illegal killing of a large number of mature trophy class mule deer bucks during the fall of 2014. Sr. Troopers Hayes and Bean initiated an investigation, gathering information and evidence over the next several weeks. On January 17, 2015, a search warrant was executed at PARSONS’ home in La Pine. During the service of the warrant, numerous large mule deer antlers, deer meat, firearms, and controlled substances were seized. PARSONS was arrested and lodged in the Deschutes County Jail for Unlawful Take/Possession of Mule Deer with additional charges pending. Additional information developed during the search warrant led troopers to identify another suspect, LANCE COURNOYER, 44, of Grants Pass. Further investigation into COURNOYERS’ conduct resulted in charges for Felon in Possession of a Firearm, two counts of Unlawful Take of Mule Deer, and waste of Game Mammal. PARSONS’ parents, OLIVER PARSONS, 64, and SUZAN PARSONS, 58, of La Pine, were found in possession of 6 sets of large mule deer antlers and deer meat and were cited and released for the crimes of Aiding in a Game Violation, Illegal Possession of Mule Deer, and Tampering with Evidence. The investigation is on-going and additional charges are pending. Anyone with information concerning this case is asked to contact Senior Trooper James Hayes at 541-419-1653. The OSP Fish and Wildlife Division wants to remind folks about the Oregon Hunters Association Turn-in-Poachers (TIP) program where callers who report wildlife crimes to police may be eligible for a reward if the information leads to the apprehension and conviction of wildlife offenders. Anyone with information about wildlife offenses is asked to call (800) 452-7888; and additional information may be found at http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/FW/Pages/fwtip.aspx