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About Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 19, 2025)
EIGHT - Heppner Gazette-Times, Heppner, Oregon Wednesday, February 19, 2025 Eagles and hawks perched on power poles more likely to be shot than electrocuted, according to study PENDLETON Ore.- New research from wild- life biologists shows that poachers play a bigger role in the deaths of eagles, hawks, and other birds of prey in the West than pre- viously thought. Volunteers at the Blue Mountain Wildlife Center in Pendleton got a close look recently at how gunshots can go unnoticed. When a volunteer brought in an in- jured red-tailed hawk, staff members thought the raptor had been electrocuted on that chilly November day. They sedated the struggling bird to examine its injuries more closely. Lynn Tomkins, the non- profit center’s Executive Director, administered an X-ray, to determine if there were broken bones, and to check for gunshot pellets. It is a practice they complete on every injured animal brought to the center. Tomkins saw 16 bright pinpoints indicating gun- shot pellets throughout the bird, embedded from legs to head. Some had healed over. Others were fresh. One pellet, lodged against what would be the shoul- der bone on a human, had caused a wing fracture. Hawks with such a wound may survive, but they will never fly and will not sur- vive in the wild. Tompkins increased the sedative to gently euthanized the bird. The scene plays out often across Oregon. Gunshot wounds and electrocution appear simi- lar, according to Tomkins. Both have an entry wound, an exit wound, and leave everything in between tat- tered. Idaho Power, whose lines connect communities across western states, has had policies and practices since the 1970s to reduce bird mortality, including providing safe nesting ar- eas, and insulating wires. These practices comply with conservation laws for federally protected raptors and help to avoid costly power outages caused by birds flushing from wires, or touching more than one wire, completing an electri- cal circuit. Utility programs did reduce electrocution cases, but carcasses continued to accumulate under insulated wires and towers across vast public lands. Illegal shooting of birds on powerlines was known to occur but was thought to be uncommon. Howev- er, in 2014, Idaho Power discovered that in some parts of its service territory, illegal shooting was quite common. While assessing power lines for bird safety, dead birds were frequently found under poles con- sidered safe for birds to perch on. Carcasses were collected and sent to foren- sics labs for testing. X-rays showed lodged pellets in many cases. Bird deaths around power lines have long been associated with electrocu- tion- especially if carcasses had burn marks or burned feathers. In 2019, research- ers with Boise State Univer- sity decided to study what portion of birds discovered under powerlines died from electrocution, shooting, or other causes. From 2019 through 2022, researchers collected bird carcasses along more than 120 miles of power lines, within five study areas on public lands in Ida- ho, Oregon, Wyoming and Utah. Field teams recovered carcasses of 410 identifi- able birds. Of those, 185 were raptors and 132 were corvids (crows and ravens). Because the recovered birds were in various states of decomposition, researchers radiographed each one to try to determine cause of death. The results were star- tling. Of the 91 fresh carcass- es that had little decomposi- tion, researchers concluded 53 birds died after being illegally shot. Most birds in all conditions for which a cause of death could be identified, had been shot. Shootings occurred at ev- ery study site and gunshots were the most identified cause of death in every location except for one in Wyoming. At that location, the same number of birds died of gunshot as died from electrocution. In some cases, birds were both shot and electrocuted indicating birds likely contacted pow- er lines as they fell to the ground and caused power outages. Raptor poaching is a crime that reverberates across western fields, prai- ries and plains. In 2021, the Oregon conservationists created a reward fund for people who turn in poach- ers and information on poaching activities. Or- egon Wildlife Coalition has a standing reward of The REAL ID deadline is three months out, here’s what you need to know The federal REAL ID deadline is May 7, 2025. Beginning on this date, individuals 18 and older will be required to present a REAL ID or an acceptable alternative, such as a U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID, to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities. A REAL ID is a state-is- sued driver’s license, per- mit, or ID card that meets federal security standards under the REAL ID Act of 2005. Oregon offers both standard and REAL ID-compliant versions of these documents. REAL IDs must be ob- tained in person at a DMV office. Appointments can be scheduled online, but walk-ins are also accept- ed. Applicants must bring original documents proving identity, date of birth, home address (with two proofs from separate sources), and lawful U.S. status. They must also provide their Social Security number or proof of ineligibility, and their current legal name must match Social Security Administration records. A document guide is available at DMV2U.oregon.gov. The REAL ID option costs an additional $30 on top of standard DMV fees. After application approval, a temporary paper ID is issued at the DMV office, while the permanent card arrives by mail in approx- imately three weeks. As the deadline ap- proaches, demand for REAL IDs has increased, leading to longer wait times at DMV offices. To help manage this, Oregon DMV has hired 26 additional staff members dedicated to REAL ID transactions. $500 for people who report crimes against raptors, via the Turn-In Poachers TIP Line if the report leads to an arrest or citation. OWC has distributed $3,000 to reporting parties since the program started. “Poaching affects all wildlife in Oregon, in- cluding precious animals like raptors,” said Dan- ielle Moser, Wildlife Pro- gram Manager for Oregon Wild. The Oregon Wild- life Coalition – a group of wildlife conservation organizations – created a rewards program to raise public awareness about this pervasive problem and encourage Oregonians to turn in poachers. “Wildlife is an integral part of our natural heritage, and we must do everything we can to preserve that,” Moser said. Killing for the thrill of it tops the list of motives, and birds, whether in flight or perched, offer an inviting target. But there are other motives for illegal kills that involve protected raptor species. Poaching is the second leading cause of death of golden eagles, after poison- ing, according to research- ers. Raptors- especially eagles- are sacred to many Native Americans, and U.S. law prohibits anyone from killing, wounding, or disturbing the birds or taking eggs without having a permit. Markets for these products lead to indiscrimi- nate and illegal poaching in remote areas. In Nov. 2024, a Mon- tana resident was sentenced to four years in prison and ordered to pay more than $700,000 in restitution to the federal government for his role in a wildlife parts trafficking ring. Along with his co-conspirators and sup- ported by a market hungry for eagle and hawk feathers, talons and other parts, the ring poached thousands of raptors, then trafficked parts through illegal networks. According to prosecutors, the operation illegally killed and trafficked the parts of hundreds of birds each year, for at least 40 years. Wildlife advocates wish it were a different story. «What we do to the natural world we do to ourselves, Tomkins said, “We are all connected.” Reports from the public are essential in stopping poachers. Provide the date, time, and location of the incident, and if possible, a description of the vehicle and people involved, and a license plate number. Ac- tivities that might indicate illegal shooting includes shooting or spotlighting at night, shooting outside of hunting season, or shoot- ing toward power poles or lines. DEADLINE: MONDAYS AT 5PM 177 N. Main P.O. Box 337 Heppner, OR 97836 Chris@sykesrealestate.net Broker Chris Sykes 541-215-2274 2 Lots Approx 38 acres $180,000 Bare land to build! Expansive 38-Acre Property Heppner with Two Tax Lots – Endless Possibilities!Unlock the potential of this remarkable property, offering approximately 38 acres of prime land ready for your vision. Two adjoining tax lots are being sold together, providing incredible flexibility and value for buyers seeking a blend of opportunity and space.Property Highlights:Total Acreage: ~38 acres across two parcels.Parcel 1: 35.44 acres Tax ID: 370: located within Heppner city limits.Parcel 2: 3.23 acres Tax ID: 1752: situated just outside city limits. MLS#:597267719 For Sale Approx 20 Acres Damaged, missing road signs -Continued from PAGE ONE in the ground,” said Imes. too much,” Imes said of the details. “It works pretty good.” Imes did say that it is not only an issue for Mor- row County. “We meet with other counties across the state, and it’s an issue. It just happens,” said Imes. Not only are signs be- ing stolen or damaged, but Imes said some people had gotten creative with their mischief. “Someone, or a few people, thought it might be fun, as wet as it has been in December, to ac- tually remove the road signs and turn them 90 degrees and put them back “So we’ve been having to also go and realign road signs.” Imes said county crews will be working to install the newly-arrived signs, but asked again that people keep their eyes open for signs of mischief. “It’s not something I typically report on, but I do want the public to know that it is expensive,” he said, “and any information would be helpful to stop that or slow it down. “If you see something, say something.” 177 N Main St. Heppner, Or 97836 O: 541-676-9228 E:sykeschris@hotmail.com DEADLINE: MONDAYS AT 5PM Broker Chris Sykes 541-215-2274 Price Reduced $139,000 Beautiful 20-acre property in Eastern Oregon, zoned Exclusive Farm Use (EFU). Along Willow Creek Rd. MLS#: 24056686 New Listing $425,000 This 0.77-acre property offers everything for animal enthusiasts, with a livestock pasture, year-round creek, two chicken houses, a barn with a lean-to, and a deer-proof garden with a greenhouse for year- round produce. A 10x12 storage room. The 5-bedroom, 2.5-bath home, including a master suite, features modern updates like new flooring, hardy plank siding and new windows. Energy-efficient ductless heating and cooling. Outside, rock retaining walls, a tool shed, and a partially finished basement add function and flexibility. Located within city limits, it’s a short walk to Main Street Perfect for animal care, gardening, and quiet living, this move-in-ready property is a rare find. 580 S MAIN ST Heppner. MLS#: 629913772 For Sale $170,000 Charming 1900 Victorian Home in Heppner, Oregon – A Unique Opportunity! Step into history with this 1900 Victorian gem, located in the picturesque town of Heppner, Oregon. This two-story home offers 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Classic Victorian Style: From its timeless architecture to intricate woodwork and high ceilings, this home exudes vintage appeal. 4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms: Plenty of space for a growing family. Detached Garage & Basement: A versatile space for storage, a workshop, or future renovations. Ideal for those with a vision, this property offers the opportunity to restore and personalize to your taste. With a little love and care, this house could become a stunning blend of classic and modern. Enjoy the charm of small-town life in Heppner while crafting the home of your dreams. Don’t miss out on this rare chance. Selling as-is. 195 N COURT ST Heppner MLS#:24426505 $240,000 Discover a timeless treasure with this beautifully preserved Craftsman-style home, featuring 1,174 sq ft on the main level and an additional 1,008 sq ft in basement, perfect for storage or extra space to customize. This 2-bedroom, 1-bath gem combines classic charm with modern comforts, including a newer furnace, forced air heat, and a freshly painted exterior. Located in a prime spot near the school and within walking distance to downtown Heppner, this home provides both convenience and a sense of community. Experience small-town living with easy access to downtown. Don’t miss the chance to make this spacious, character-filled home your own! 240 N COURT ST Heppner MLS#:24652848
