Troopers from the Oregon State Police (OSP) Fish & Wildlife Division assigned to the Newport Area Command investigated a complaint of unlawful guiding/outfitting in the Alsea Valley area. In February of 2014, troopers initiated an investigation into allegations that CHRIS COTTER, 30, of Tidewater OR, had been performing unlicensed guide/outfitter services under the business name ‘Alsea Valley Outfitters’. Investigation revealed COTTER provided guide/outfitting services in May of 2014 on a spring bear hunt, without the proper licensure. Shortly thereafter, COTTER was cited and released for Guiding Without a License. On January 20, 2015, COTTER pled guilty to One (1) count of Guiding Without a License. He was sentenced to 40 hours of Community Service, 24 months of bench probation, No hunting/fishing for probation term (24 months),may not act as a guide or outfitter during probation term (24 months), may not possess firearms or dangerous weapons, and was assessed a $250 fine with $700 restitution to Oregon State Police for costs. Oregon State Police troopers in the Fish & Wildlife division investigate violations of Oregon’s Guide and Outfitter laws with a focus on offenders who engage in the unlawful commercialization of fish and wildlife resources. The Fish & Wildlife Division works with 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
