Idaho Fish & Game Seeks Information Regarding Upper Snake Region Elk Poaching Incidents
Idaho Department of Fish and Game 11.18.12
Even though legal elk hunting opportunities are still available in the Upper Snake Region, conservation officers are seeking the public’s assistance in helping to solve two separate cases of not only elk poaching, but leaving animals to waste. The first incident involved a bull elk being shot and left to waste occurred on the night of October 25th, outside of St. Anthony in unit 60A. The second incident occurred in unit 66 near Swan Valley the night of November 9th, involving two elk being shot. One elk was taken, the other left to waste. Any information pertaining to either of the incidents would be very helpful to officers working the cases
According to Senior Conservation Officer Lew Huddleston, “The cow elk was shot alongside the Taylor Well road east of Hamer. The elk stumbled after 60 yards, having been shot through both lungs.“ The second incident occurred on private property, approximately two miles west of Swan Valley near the Papoose Creek drainage in unit 66. According to Senior Conservation Officer Shane Liss, “The suspects drove through a closed ranch entrance gate onto private property after legal shooting hours. Two elk were shot, only one was taken. Both elk were killed in grain stubble field that had been disked under.”
Evidence at the scene of the Swan Valley incident indicates that multiple individuals were involved and that an intentional decision was made to leave one animal behind. Because of the time frame involved the elk was not able to be salvaged and distributed.
In both situations the evidence indicates that the illegal actions taken were clearly intentional and committed by someone who had a blatant disregard for the value of Idaho’s wildlife. Anyone with information concerning these incidents should call the Citizens Against Poaching (CAP) Hotline at 1-800-632-5999. Callers can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward.
