BEND, OR — A Bend man has been sentenced after pleading guilty to multiple misdemeanor and felony charges related to illegal guiding and hunting activities in Central Oregon.
Oregon State Police first received an anonymous tip in October 2012 about alleged illegal guiding and hunting activates in Wheeler County. As troopers investigated, they identified Alan Roy Aronson, 43, for allegedly conducting these guided hunts, primarily for elk and buffalo, on another person’s property without consent. As the cases widened, troopers learned Aronson was performing guided feed hunts, whether or not they had a valid hunting license or tags.
Between 2010 and 2012, hunters accompanying Aronson killed dozens of elk, including several large trophy elk that were shot and killed by persons without valid tags, and at least 9 buffalo from a neighboring ranch without the ranch owner’s consent. Investigators also learned that Aronson was not a registered hunting guide in the state while all of these activities were taking place.
Troopers searched property in Wheeler and Deschutes counties, and found documents, a computer, untagged trophy elk and deer mounts, vehicles, a rifle, and three freshly skinned buffalo hides. Aronson was sentenced to 180 days in jail, 222 months probation, over $152,000 in fines, fees and restitution, as well as a 34-year hunting license suspension.
In total, 23 people, including Aronson’s wife, have been charged for more than 200 counts/charges filed in Wheeler County and 15 additional charges were filed in Deschutes County. Ten of those individuals pled guilty or no contest; and cases are pending adjudication for 13 other people.
“The case resolution was successful in part from the great efforts and investigative skills of the lead investigator and team members whom worked tirelessly on this extensive and complex case, along with assistance from other Fish and Wildlife troopers from across the state,” said Captain Jeff Samuels, OSP Fish & Wildlife Division director.
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