Idaho Fish and Game is asking the public for information after a cow elk was shot and left to waste on State Highway 11 near Weippe around November 8. I read the official notice from the department, which says the elk was killed sometime between the afternoon of November 8 and the morning of November 9. The poacher reportedly took only the backstraps and left the rest of the animal.
What the Law Says
In Idaho, it is illegal to kill a big game animal and abandon the edible parts. The department notes that wasting wildlife is a serious violation that can result in fines, loss of hunting privileges, and even jail time. The cow elk was also taken during a closed season for that area, compounding the offense.
Idaho Fish and Game conservation officers are asking anyone who saw something on Highway 11 near Weippe between November 8 and November 9 to come forward. If you have information, you can call the Citizens Against Poaching hotline at (800) 632-5999 or submit a tip online through the Idaho Fish and Game website. Callers may remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward.
What This Means for Homeowners in Idaho
While this particular case involves a cow elk in a rural area, the same principles apply to any wildlife on your property. If you find a dead animal that appears to have been shot illegally, do not touch it. Call the Idaho Fish and Game office for your region instead. The department can investigate whether it was a legal take or a poaching incident.
For those living in areas with deer or elk, knowing the local hunting seasons is important. The woodchuck damage near foundation guide covers a different kind of wildlife issue, but the advice on calling professionals for removal applies to any situation where an animal dies on your land. Similarly, the article on protecting kids from an aggressive raccoon reminds homeowners that any wild animal that seems sick or injured should be avoided, not approached.
The Idaho Fish and Game news release confirms that the investigation is ongoing and tips can be submitted anonymously.
The notice is published by Idaho Fish and Game news at idfg.idaho.gov.
