FISH & GAME: No record of alleged kills

Regarding the purported mass killing of an elk herd on the Rathdrum Prairie — there is no record of this event ever occurring. By law, Fish and Game is required to address agricultural losses due to wildlife using various tools, ranging from reimbursing agricultural producers for losses to agency-led removals as a last resort. Those same laws do not apply to the purported incident of elk eating ornamental landscaping.

We understand that the recent wolf control actions are not supported by everyone. Idaho Fish and Game’s mission is to preserve, protect, perpetuate and manage fish and wildlife for future generations and to ensure a surplus exists for hunting, fishing and trapping. Managing predators, including wolves, is a critical component of this legislatively-mandated mission. Following a court injunction that shortened wolf trapping seasons in parts of Idaho, wolf harvest in Unit 4 declined by approximately 25%. The wolf removal effort was aligned with Idaho’s Wolf Management Plan and focused on augmenting wolf mortality where it has declined and where wolves are impacting elk populations.

Anyone with questions or concerns is encouraged to call the Panhandle Regional Office at (208) 769-1414.

T.J. ROSS
Dept. of Fish & Game
Coeur d’Alene