UPDATE: A bullet-wounded cow moose was euthanized by Idaho Fish and Game officers on October 14, 2023, near Clearwater, Idaho. The moose, accompanied by her two yearling calves, was found unable to stand and in dire need of food and water after reportedly being in the same spot for several days.
Residents alerted authorities when they noticed the reluctant calves near a pasture in the unincorporated community above the South Fork of the Clearwater River. Upon arrival, conservation officers quickly assessed the situation and discovered the cow moose had a shattered knee with bullet fragments lodged in the joint. With no options left, they made the heart-wrenching decision to euthanize the animal.
“This was a difficult decision, but it was the most humane option for the animal,” stated Jennifer Bruns, spokesperson for Idaho Fish and Game, in a news release.
The meat from the euthanized moose was salvaged and donated to a local family in need. In a concerning twist, the department is now seeking information about the shooting incident, offering a $700 reward for details that lead to an arrest. Moose hunting is strictly regulated in Idaho, and there was no open season for cow moose in Game Management Unit 15 at the time of the incident.
Authorities are urging anyone with knowledge of the shooting to come forward, emphasizing the seriousness of illegal hunting practices. “Shooting a moose without a permit is a crime, and we need the community’s help to prevent such incidents,” Bruns added.
This incident highlights a troubling trend as Idaho Fish and Game also investigates other cases of wildlife waste in the region. Recently, two bull elk were found partially wasted near Bovill, where hunters failed to take the edible tenderloins, and a whitetail buck was shot and left to waste near Grangeville.
In a separate ongoing investigation, a bull elk was shot along Lenville Road southwest of Moscow, prompting further scrutiny into the illegal hunting activities in Idaho. These developments raise urgent questions about wildlife protection and conservation efforts in the state.
Anyone with information on any of these cases is urged to contact the Clearwater Region Office at (208) 799-5010 or the Citizens Against Poaching Hotline at 1 (800) 632-5999. Callers can remain anonymous, and rewards are available for tips leading to citations.
This urgent situation not only affects local wildlife but also raises awareness about the critical need for responsible hunting practices in Idaho. Stay tuned for updates as this story continues to develop.
