Two recent poaching incidents have the F&G's attention this week.
Two bull moose were shot near Cataldo. Apparently, the poachers field dressed the moose, indicating that they were going to retrieve the game, but never did.
Conservation Officer Mark Bowen stated,
"This is a waste of valuable wildlife resources. Lots of hunters have applied in the moose tag lottery for years and have not drawn a tag. Then, they hear about a case like this. Those hunters hoping for the opportunity to legally hunt moose; and, all Idaho residents for that matter have good reason to be outraged by this."Poaching in general is sub-sportsmanlike, obviously. But poaching moose? An animal that you can walk up to and pet if you wanted (something I've never done, but have had the opportunity to)? That's sub-sub-sportsmanlike.
Another poaching crime was committed near Winchester, where a large mule deer buck was taken. I should say, only the head was taken. That's a problem.
Conservation Officer Jim Pagel noted that this isn't the only poaching of this style in that area this year:
"Judging by the size of the carcass, the deer likely sported a large set of antlers. Several other deer have been found wasted in the same area this fall, so we really need people to make the call."As always, if you have information that would help the F&G put away the poachers, there's a cash reward for you. Call the Citizens Against Poaching hotline at 1-800-632-5999.
For more details go here and here.
~ J.Bunch
