Oregon Man Faces Multiple Charges for Killing Deer, Cougar

The investigation began after elk hunters found three dead deer with heads removed on private property about 15 miles north of Prineville.

Photo: Oregon State Police

(PRINEVILLE, Ore. ) - A Prineville man was arrested on numerous wildlife-related crimes following an investigation into the killing of four deer for the sole purpose of removing their heads for their antlers.

The investigation of the suspect, who currently had suspended hunting privileges, led to two other suspects who were cited for other wildlife crimes including one for the illegal killing of a cougar.

Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife Senior Trooper Amos Madison began an investigation after elk hunters found three dead deer with heads removed on private property about 15 miles north of Prineville. A fourth dead deer with head removed was found November 23rd about 35 miles southeast of Prineville.

A suspect identified as 21-year-old Steven "Wade" York, from Prineville, was developed related to the investigation.

As Senior Trooper Madison was examining the fourth deer, another OSP trooper in the area spotted York driving and stopped him. During this contact the trooper found inside the vehicle a rifle, spotlights, and knives and a saw that had fresh deer blood on them. While questioning York, he admitted to killing the deer.

During this investigation Senior Trooper Madison learned York and another person, 21-year-old Jared Zeigler, from Prineville, illegally killed a cougar a month ago and disposed of it over an embankment.

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York currently has his hunting privileges suspended for two years and previously had been charged during the past two years for illegal hunting activities.

He was lodged in Crook County Jail for the following crimes:

• Theft in the First Degree
• Taking Deer During Closed Season (4 counts)
• Waste of Deer (4 counts)
• Unlawful Possession of Deer Parts (4 counts)
• Unlawful Taking of a Cougar
• Hunting While Suspended (5 counts)
• Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree

Zeigler was cited to appear in Crook County Circuit Court for Unlawful Taking of a Cougar.

A third person, 21-year-old Justin O'Daniel, from Prineville, was cited to appear on one count of Aiding in a Game Violation. Information indicated he was present with York during the last deer killing.