A wildlife cruelty investigation underway in Eastern Oregon is drawing attention from state authorities as investigators work to identify whoever shot a mule deer with an arrow near the city of Burns.
The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is asking for the public’s help after a deer was discovered seriously injured with an arrow embedded in its head. The animal was located on May 21 within the Burns area, prompting a coordinated response involving wildlife officials and local law enforcement agencies.
According to investigators, the deer was still alive when it was found. Personnel from the Oregon State Police, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Burns Police Department responded to the scene and were able to safely tranquilize the animal. Wildlife officials removed the arrow and assessed its condition, but the injuries proved too severe. The deer was later euthanized.
Authorities have not publicly identified any suspects, and investigators continue working to determine where the shooting occurred, when it happened, and who may be responsible. Officials believe someone in the community may have witnessed suspicious activity, observed individuals using archery equipment in the area, or seen the injured deer before it was reported.
The case remains active and has been assigned to Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife investigators, who are responsible for enforcing the state’s wildlife protection laws. Those investigations often involve illegal hunting activity, poaching cases, unlawful take of wildlife, and incidents involving the intentional injury or killing of animals outside legal hunting regulations.
While hunting remains an important part of Oregon’s outdoor heritage, wildlife officials emphasize that the state’s hunting laws are designed to ensure animals are harvested legally, ethically, and humanely. Incidents involving the unlawful shooting of wildlife can result in criminal charges, significant fines, loss of hunting privileges, and other penalties depending on the circumstances of the case.
The investigation also highlights the important role the public plays in helping law enforcement solve wildlife crimes. In many cases across Oregon, tips from hunters, landowners, outdoor recreationists, and community members have helped identify individuals responsible for illegal wildlife activity.
Anyone who may have information related to the injured deer is encouraged to contact the Oregon State Police through the Turn In Poachers program. Tips may be submitted anonymously.
Investigators are asking callers to reference case number SP26163743 when providing information.
Individuals with information can contact the Turn In Poachers Hotline at 1-800-452-7888 or dial *OSP (*677) from a mobile phone. Tips may also be submitted by email to TIP@osp.oregon.gov.
State police encourage anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in or around Burns, observed a wounded deer, or has information that could assist investigators to come forward. Even seemingly minor details may help establish a timeline and assist wildlife officers in determining who was responsible for the shooting.
As the investigation continues, Oregon State Police officials say public cooperation remains one of the most effective tools available in protecting the state’s wildlife resources and holding violators accountable.