New Announcement on Molalla Black Tail Deer

A state officials says that are at the tail end of the result of somebody who didn’t leave wildlife to be wild.

(SALEM, Ore.) - It is possible that a Molalla family will be allowed to keep a deer that they raised, that word follows a press conference that was held today at Oregon Fish and Wildlife Headquarters. Nothing however has been set in stone or ink at this point by state officials.

Rick Hargrave, the Information and Education Manager for ODFW, says Director Roy Elicker is exploring all options, and one of those is returning the deer to the family.

"When we go in and get wildlife we find that they have been treated very badly," Seagrave said. "From all outward appearance these deer were treated well but they are still being checked out by our vets."

He says that whatever decision is made, state fish and wildlife still has to consult with Oregon State Police and veterinarians, legal professionals.

"The original compromise was reached with the family that the buck would be returned, there were concerns from the owner; at that point OSP had to take care of the law."

Seagrave says the bigger picture is that they don’t want to establish a precedent that other people would then use to also illegally possess animals.

"We’re at the tail end of the result of somebody who didn’t leave wildlife to be wild," he added.

As far as a timeframe, he says the ODFW director is hoping to have resolution next week.

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Jory September 17, 2007 7:49 pm (Pacific time)

I assume this is the same story as the 'deer-goat' story. I know from somebody close to this family that this 'deer' was always treated kindly. It was always fed and taken care of and the family spent a lot of money at the vet to have it cared for after they found it injured. This is a classic case of the government spending time and resources in places that they do not need to be spend while there are a number of terrible situations happening (that I know of personally) to animals that go unnoticed even after being reported. I hope this 'deer' is returned to the family as they are a good home.

Vic September 15, 2007 9:29 am (Pacific time)

I would like to know the name of the vet that turned them in...perhaps he has dangerous pets that need to be seized.

Harry Balmer September 14, 2007 2:31 pm (Pacific time)

It appears that my long time opinion of those living in Oregon has unfortunately been validated. They do not particularly care for people or their feelings, and are much more concerned with political correctness. The fact that the deer could be euthanized says Oregonians are not particu;ary concerned with animals either and is shows that the laws or regulations of Oregon are at best misguided and inane per se. Most other states provide for exceptions and the keeping of wild animals with special permits. It is appareent that Oregon's opinion of itself is greatly overblown.

Editor: Harry, what are you talking about? This is the statement, "Elicker says the deer will not be euthanased" The word not is in place telling us that is not going to happen. Please don't judge the kind people of this state because you misread the story.

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