Hunters Encouraged to Dispose of Game Waste Properly

With elk hunting season already under way, hunters who butcher their own game are encouraged to dispose of their game waste properly. Authorities at the Nez Perce County Solid Waste Station in Lewiston remind hunters that they can place their game waste in a heavy bag, seal it, and place in their garbage can. The weekly garbage service will then dispose of the waste free of charge. Hunters also can haul their bagged game waste to the transfer station at 560 Down River Road in Lewiston. Hours are from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. While proper disposal is easy, illegally dumped game waste is a common occurrence around the outskirts of several area communities, said Mark Hill, regional conservation officer at Idaho Fish and Game. "Two partially butchered elk were dumped near the Lewiston airport last week, and we received several phone calls from those who observed it," Hill said. "We appreciate the calls." The public can help solve the problem by reporting any suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities, especially vehicle descriptions and license numbers. Under Idaho law, parts of any game animal, bird or fish, including bones, skin and entrails, are considered litter when disposed of improperly. Placing these substances along public roadways and private property is a misdemeanor. Violations are punishable by up to six months in jail, by a fine of up to $1,000, or both. Latah County residents can use several waste sites that accept animal and game wastes. The Solid Waste Processing Center, known as the transfer station, is 5 miles east of Moscow on Highway 8. Hours April through October are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Winter hours, November through March, are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The communities of Deary, Genesee, Juliaetta and Potlatch each have bulky waste sites that are open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on alternating Saturdays. The Deary and Genesee sites are open on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, and the Juliaetta site is open on the first and third Saturday. The Potlatch site April through October is open the first four Saturdays only, and the November through March the first and third Saturdays only. Bulky waste site locations include: ¥ Deary - behind the elevators on Line Street. ¥ Genesee - south of Chestnut Street on Oak Street near City shop and Union Warehouse. ¥ Juliaetta - turn south off Main onto Third Street, go to railroad tracks and turn left. ¥ Potlatch - half a mile east of the Potlatch "Y" on Highway 6. For information, call the Latah County Solid Waste Department at 208-882-8580 ext. 3344.