Oregon State Police (OSP) Fish & Wildlife Division investigation into the killing of a trophy class Blacktail deer buck in the Grants Pass area led to wildlife-related charges against a Grants Pass man.
On November 21, 2008, OSP Senior Trooper Brad Bennett started an investigation into the circumstances that "Goliath", a well-known trophy class 6x8 point Blacktail deer known to roam during the last 5 years in the Applegate unit near Grants Pass, was illegally killed. An anonymous tip that the deer's antlers were at a local taxidermist shop helped start the investigation.
The follow-up investigation led OSP Fish & Wildlife troopers to contact the taxidermist and seize the antlers. The investigation alleges "Goliath", who was known to visit and graze in the backyards of local residents, was killed around November 15th by an archery hunter. A search warrant was served at the suspect's Grants Pass residence on May 11th where additional evidence was seized pursuant to the investigation.
The suspect, JOHN JOSEPH COSTELLO, age 54, was cited by Senior Trooper Bennett to appear in Josephine County Circuit Court on the following wildlife offenses:
* Unlawful Taking Blacktail Deer
* Unlawful Hunting – Prohibited Method
* No Valid Deer Tag
Anyone with additional information to assist in this investigation is asked to contact Senior Trooper Bennett at (541) 955-6374.
Photograph – "Goliath"
On November 21, 2008, OSP Senior Trooper Brad Bennett started an investigation into the circumstances that "Goliath", a well-known trophy class 6x8 point Blacktail deer known to roam during the last 5 years in the Applegate unit near Grants Pass, was illegally killed. An anonymous tip that the deer's antlers were at a local taxidermist shop helped start the investigation.
The follow-up investigation led OSP Fish & Wildlife troopers to contact the taxidermist and seize the antlers. The investigation alleges "Goliath", who was known to visit and graze in the backyards of local residents, was killed around November 15th by an archery hunter. A search warrant was served at the suspect's Grants Pass residence on May 11th where additional evidence was seized pursuant to the investigation.
The suspect, JOHN JOSEPH COSTELLO, age 54, was cited by Senior Trooper Bennett to appear in Josephine County Circuit Court on the following wildlife offenses:
* Unlawful Taking Blacktail Deer
* Unlawful Hunting – Prohibited Method
* No Valid Deer Tag
Anyone with additional information to assist in this investigation is asked to contact Senior Trooper Bennett at (541) 955-6374.
Photograph – "Goliath"
