December 20, 2022 3:50 a.m.

After a lengthy investigation, Fish and Wildlife Troopers with Oregon State Police have made an arrest for the unlawful killing of three young blacktail deer bucks in Coos County.

On March 23rd, the animals were found by a citizen alongside a sand road on the North Spit of Coos Bay. All three deer were shot in the head from a relatively close range and were likely taken using artificial light at night. The deer were left to waste. OSP Troopers estimated that the deer were killed sometime between March 19th and 21st which was during a closed season time for Blacktail Deer.

On December 5th, OSP Fish and Wildlife Troopers interviewed and ultimately charged 21-year old Macen West of North Bend. He was charged with three counts each of waste of a game mammal, taking a game animal in closed season, and for hunting with the aid of artificial light.

The rife that is believed to have been used in the crimes was also seized during the investigation.