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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 22, 2017)
30 Wednesday, November 22, 2017 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon Playing in the band... OSP trooper keeping hunting fair By George Plaven East Oregonian PENDLETON (AP) — Daylight broke one early November morning over the snow-dusted Blue Mountains near Ukiah, where the distant echo of rifle blasts signaled the start of elk season across eastern Oregon. Dain Gardner, senior trooper with the Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division, began his day at 5 a.m., noting the perfect hunt- ing conditions that included below-freezing temperatures and just enough white on the ground to easily spy a well- trodden game trail or herd of elk. “This is my office,” Gardner said behind the wheel of his patrol truck. “If you can’t enjoy the job work- ing out here, there’s some- thing wrong with you.” Nov. 4 marked the first day of the second season for rifle elk hunting in Oregon, which runs through Sunday, Nov. 12. The first rifle season was Oct. 25-29, while archery season for deer and elk went from Aug. 26 through Sept. 24. Elk season is a busy time for Gardner, and can send him anywhere around the Pendleton area all the way down to John Day, depend- ing on the case. He spent that Saturday in the Ukiah Wildlife Management Area, where hunting was open to spike bulls only — bulls with unbranched antlers. No sooner than Gardner arrived at the Bridge Creek Wildlife Area south of town did he encounter his first dispute of the day, as two hunters each claimed they had shot the same elk. Cameron Sponseller, with the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, was already on scene to assist with corrobo- rating both men’s stories. “This happens regularly out here,” Gardner said, jok- ing that he ought to swap his uniform for a referee shirt. “We’ll get it figured out.” After examining the car- cass, Gardner and Sponseller determined that only one bullet actually hit the elk, making it a relatively open- and-shut case. But by simply taking the extra time and talk- ing to hunters, Gardner said it helps to keep level heads and even tempers. “We’re just out here trying to keep things fair,” he said. Gardner, who lives in Hermiston and graduated from Umatilla High School in 1990, has 22 years of experience in law enforce- ment, including three years with the Hermiston Police Department. He joined the OSP Fish and Wildlife Division in 2003 and never looked back. “I always wanted to do this job,” Gardner said. “As far as police work goes, this is where it’s at.” Growing up, Gardner spent plenty of time in the 2017 Ram SLT 1500 4x4 $ Upgraded U Up p g gr r ad a d ed e d wheels/tires. 13 1 13k 3 k miles. m i le mi l e s s. . Power sliding les. rear r e ar re a r window w i in n d for Fido. 32,900 Buy or sell your car with locally owned ... Low miles • Newer than 2005 DA3919 CARFAX Ce Best Pric rtifi ed! e! No Ha ssles! woods hunting and fishing and has developed a remark- able eye for spotting faint, faraway wildlife. Even a sin- gle prowling coyote cannot escape his radar-like vision. Gardner’s supervisor, Sgt. Tim Brown, said that kind of local knowledge of hunting and fishing makes him a tre- mendous asset to the team. “He’s passionate about the work he does, and it shows as far as his tenacity,” Brown said. The dirt road through Bridge Creek Wildlife Area becomes increasingly rough as Gardner drives down into a draw, fog rolling off the surrounding hillsides. The radio is so far quiet, which is a good sign though Gardner knows how quickly that can change. “We’ve had years where we’re salvaging double-digit Sisters Car Connection 102 W. Barclay Dr., Sisters DON’T MISS OUT on this week’s inserts in the Nugget: Deschutes Public Library: Check out the events scheduled at the Sisters Library (and all Deschutes libraries) this December and January! Bi-Mart #1: Enjoy the Open House through November 22 to shop as a non-member. Then sign up: just $5 for a lifetime family membership to enjoy all the great Bi-Mart deals! Bi-Mart #2: You knew it was coming! Black Friday Deals start at 5 a.m. on Friday, November 24. Two days of specials! On Saturday, November 25, Bi-Mart will stay open until 8 p.m.! Two students of Tyler Cranor, Sisters Snhool Distrint Direntor of Bands, were annepted into the Western International Band Clinin in Seattle. Trumpeters Dalton Gonzales (right) and Max Springer (left) joined hundreds of high snhool musinians in this annual honor band for a weekend of rehearsals and performannes. See HUNTING on page 37 Year-round FIREWOOD SALES — Kindling — — — SISTERS FOREST PRODUCTS s Siste e r d! n w O Ready for your holiday guests? ? Book now to ensure your carpets look their best! “I could not believe how meticulous and thorough Peter was. My carpets are beautiful.” — Debbie Bucher 541-410-4509 541-549-6471 SistersForestProducts.com 35 Years Experience | Peter Herman, Owner NOW BOOKING HOLIDAY ove or of l A lab Brace Yourself for Fall $300 Discount For the month of Nov. when you start a full comprehensive treatment program! APPOINTMENTS New patients only. Not valid with any other offer. 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