CLACKAMAS COUNTY — Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division troopers seized 14 thermal imaging devices as part of a monthslong investigation into high-tech poaching in Clackamas County.

Troopers arrested 13 people after serving search warrants on nine homes in the county Dec. 15-16, according to a press release.

Officers also took one rifle and four deer as part of the investigation into people using forward-looking infrared — FLIR — devices to illegally find deer, elk and other big game animals.

Oregon law prohibits people from using thermal or infrared devices to hunt, find or scout for wildlife because the technology undermines the animals’ ability to hide. FLIR users can see an animal’s heat signature in darkness or in heavy forest.

During the last two years, OSP’s Fish and Wildlife Division has received an increasing number of complaints about unlawful use of FLIR technology to hunt or scout for big game animals. Several complaints were in the Clackamas County area, according to the press release.

Last fall, troopers started investigating several people who were allegedly using infrared devices to find deer and elk in a specific area.

“This case highlights the Fish and Wildlife Division’s ability to adapt to modern poaching threats and effectively investigate and seek criminal prosecution of poachers,” OSP Capt. Kyle Kennedy said.

Infrared technology gives people who use it an advantage over legal hunters, and can also result in overharvest of big game animals, said Jason Kirchner, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife district wildlife biologist in Newport.

“Thermal or infrared use is illegal in Oregon, gives an unfair advantage, and is not a fair chase,” Kirchner said. “This illegal activity will increase harvest rates, reduce our game populations and hunting opportunities, and impact the public image of law-abiding hunters.”

Bernadette Graham-Hudson, ODFW Wildlife Division administrator, agrees.

“Hunting regulations are in place to level the playing field for all hunters, and to maintain fair chase standards,” she said. “People who bypass the rules steal from legitimate hunters, and all Oregonians who wish to experience our wildlife as they recreate in the outdoors.”

The Oregon Hunters Association backs the effort to curb unethical practices, according to its president, Steve Hagan.

“OHA supports the vigorous enforcement of laws designed to protect wildlife, habitat, private property and hunter’s rights,” Hagan said.

Officials will file criminal wildlife charges with the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office for all 13 individuals suspected of using infrared thermal imaging while scouting or hunting big game animals, according to the press release.

As of Jan. 7, Oregon court records showed the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office had filed a Class A misdemeanor charge for hunting with an infrared device against one person, Todd Allen Findley, 47, of Beavercreek. The incident happened Nov. 10, 2024, according to court records.