PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Oregon State Police served nine search warrants and filed criminal wildlife charges against 13 people between Dec. 15 and 16 for allegedly using thermal imaging equipment to illegally enhance hunting opportunities, officials said.
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Oregon State Police seized fourteen infrared thermal imaging devices, four deer and one rifle during their investigation. The investigation began in the fall of 2024 after Fish and Wildlife Troopers received multiple complaints about hunters using infrared technology to kill large game such as deer and elk in Clackamas County.
“Using infrared or thermal devices to hunt, locate, or scout wildlife provides a person with a significant unfair, unethical advantage over other unethical hunting behavior because it inhibits the animal's natural ability to hide or concealment is completely nullified,” according to Oregon State Police. . “The use of thermal and infrared equipment is prohibited by law.”
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The technology that would be used in the cases is known as forward-looking infrared.
OSP forwards the cases to the Clackamas County District Attorney's Office for prosecution. During the investigation, OSP allegedly caught, cited and released three people who were actively hunting with the infrared technology in the field. Officers seized two infrared thermal imaging devices from the hunters.
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