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Two Arrested for Bighorn Sheep Poaching

BIGGS, OR -- Oregon State Police arrested two men for beheading two bighorn Sheep along Interstate 84, east of Biggs Junction. A driver reported seeing someone gutting a big game animal and was concerned it was a bighorn sheep, Sunday morning.

 

OSP wildlife troopers responded to the area and arrested 32-year-old Justin Samora of Utah, and 28-year-old Cody Plagmann of Troutdale, Oregon. The investigation revealed Plagmann and Samora worked together to shoot and remove the heads of the bighorn sheep. Both animals were recovered but were unable to be salvaged. 
 
Only a small number of these sheep are allowed to be killed in the state, and hunters must have tags. 
 
"It's an outrage that someone would poach a bighorn sheep, when hunters can wait their whole life and still never get the opportunity to hunt this iconic species," said Jeremy Thompson, district wildlife biologist in The Dalles. " This herd is also a popular viewing attraction for people driving along I-84, and has been there since 1993."
 
The two men are charged with taking bighorn sheep, wasting of a game animal and hunting on another's enclosed land. Any persons who may have witnessed the incident or has information is asked to call The Dalles Area Command at 541-296-9646.

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