F&G Seeks Help in Elk Poaching on East Fork Indian Creek

Hunting is like all other sports in that there are rules to how the game is played. Without rules things fall apart, and the challenge and satisfaction of winning are lost. Idaho Fish Game is seeking help from the public to locate the individuals responsible for illegally killing a bull elk and leaving it to waste Saturday, October 16, on the East Fork of Indian Creek in Unit 59. "The elk was killed mid-day on Saturday the 16th," said senior conservation officer Lew Huddleston, who is working on the case. "Two suspects were also observed carrying a large set of elk antlers away from the area." The field dressed carcass of a large bodied elk was found partially concealed in the area. The antlers had been removed from the bull, but based on his body size the antlers would have been trophy quality. "The carcass had been covered with sticks making it look like they intended to return and recover the meat, but they never did, resulting in the elk being left to waste," Huddleston said. The Beaverhead Zone, where Unit 59 is, was open for muzzleloader antlerless elk hunting to those holding a Beaverhead A Tag, no hunt was open in that unit that allowed the harvest of a bull elk. Fish and Game is asking that anyone who might have been in the field in the vicinity of the East Fork of Indian Creek on Saturday, October 16, or who might have heard about activities related to this incident to contact the department with whatever information they may have. During the hunting season the Citizens Against Poaching hotline is staffed round the clock. Callers may remain anonymous and may be eligible for rewards. Call the hotline at 1-800-632-5999 or Huddleston at 208-390-1624.