A mule deer buck was shot and left to waste in the vicinity of Dairy Mountain north of Riggins over the weekend. This is one of many deer that are shot and wasted every year. This deer was shot within a mile of a bull elk killed and left to waste in the Slate Creek drainage, possibly by the same individual(s).
One can only guess why several animals in the vicinity have been deliberately killed and wasted, recently. Is the shooter unprepared for taking care of the meat, lazy, careless, only took time to recognize that the buck was a mule deer after the shot, or simply enjoy killing?
The shooter(s) made no attempt to recover the deer. Evidence at the scene indicates that the shooter shot from close to a road and did not attempt to retrieve the animal. Over the past week and a half, Idaho Fish and Game has investigated multiple elk and deer shot and wasted by poachers in Idaho County.
Many sportsmen were in the area attempting to take their animals the ethical way. These sportsmen may have noticed the guilty party and are encouraged to report suspicious activity.
Citizens Against Poaching (CAP) is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible. Anyone having information about this poaching incident or others is encouraged to call the Citizens Against Poaching (CAP) hotline at (800)632-5999 or Fish and Game's Clearwater Regional office (208)799-5010. Anyone providing information can remain anonymous.