In November of 2024, two deer hunters returning from a hunting trip came across a fellow hunter in need. The third hunter’s truck had become stuck in the snow, stranding him in the backcountry. The deer hunters offered a ride back into town as any kind folk would do; saving the third man from the chill as the sun began to set.
As they made their way to civilization, all three hunters turned to conversation to pass the time. The third hunter began to act strangely as the dialog went on, his story changing. He began to indicate there was a “downed animal” near his vehicle, raising suspicion with his now-companions. Not wasting a moment but to spare a glance, they knew what needed to be done to catch a potential poacher; they had to keep him talking and glean information without alerting him to their intentions. With little time to spare, the deer hunters did just that, keeping the conversation flowing without raising alarm.
By the time the third hunter parted ways with them, they knew what had transpired that evening and had gathered significant information about the event. The stranded hunter had, in fact, unlawfully taken and wasted a trophy bull moose, panicking and then fleeing when by chance the snow had impeded his departure. Remembering key details that eventually enabled establishment of probable cause and then conviction, the two immediately made the call and reported the night’s events to Citizens Against Poaching.
Thanks to the instincts of these two fast-acting deer hunters, the third hunter was convicted of the unlawful killing and wasting of the trophy bull moose. The consequences of poaching were significant, including over $10,000 in fines, prison time, and lifetime revocation of hunting and trapping privileges.
Help us preserve Idaho’s hunting and fishing heritage. If you witness wildlife violations, please call the Citizens Against Poaching hotline at 1-800-632-5999, or report online at idfg.idaho.gov/poacher. Callers may remain anonymous and could be eligible for a monetary reward for providing information that leads to a citation.
