Fish & Game Seeks Help Regarding Wasted Mule Deer Buck

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is seeking the public's help in locating the individual responsible for shooting and wasting a young mule deer buck found September 24 in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. Another hunter found the antlered deer lying next to the McCoy Creek Road near the York Creek drainage in Unit 66A. The deer had been shot by a rifle in the left hind quarter and once in the neck. None of the meat was salvageable. While a controlled hunt season for moose is open in the area, there are no deer or elk rifle hunts open at this time, only archery hunts. This situation unfortunately highlights a number of ethical and legal lapses in judgment. Hunters are responsible for knowing what species are in season, along with legal methods of take. Good hunters are careful to identify their target and place shots so that an animal dies quickly. Hunters are responsible for making every effort possible to track an animal that has been wounded. All possible meat must be taken from ungulates that have been killed, otherwise it is considered wasting. Anyone with information about this incident may call the Fish and Game regional office at 208-525-7290 or the Citizens Against Poaching (CAP) Hotline 1-800-632-5999. CAP callers may remain anonymous and may be eligible for rewards.