Investigation Launched After Elk Meat Dumped on Roadside in Bear Lake County
Idaho Fish and Game officials are investigating a concerning incident that has raised alarms within the hunting community and wildlife conservation circles.
On September 30, an archery hunter came across an unusual and troubling sight on U.S. Forest Service Road 148 near Geneva in Bear Lake County—four-quarters of harvested elk meat, bagged and discarded along the roadside.
This discovery, made at the Dry Creek Motorized Trailhead, has sparked an investigation into what officials are calling a clear violation of Idaho’s strict game waste laws.
Details of the Incident and Possible Causes
Senior Conservation Officer Kolby White responded to the call, confirming that the discarded elk quarters were left in game bags.
This indicates that the person who harvested the elk had gone through considerable effort to transport the meat. Yet, instead of properly caring for it, the individual abandoned it to rot by the roadside.
White speculated that unusually warm weather might have caused the meat to spoil, leading to the decision to dump it. However, this action is illegal under Idaho law.
“Someone went through a lot of work to get the meat all the way to the road just to let it rot,” White explained. “It’s possible the person made a mistake with meat care, especially with this unseasonably warm weather, and they simply dumped the meat after realizing it had spoiled.”
Legal and Ethical Obligations for Hunters
Despite possible spoilage, dumping game meat is considered waste, which is against the law. Hunters have a legal and ethical responsibility to ensure all edible portions of meat are properly cared for and removed from the field.
Idaho Fish and Game is taking the incident seriously, emphasizing that discarding game meat is unacceptable under any circumstances.
Officer White further stressed the importance of hunters contacting Idaho Fish and Game if they accidentally spoil harvested meat due to improper care.
“If a hunter realizes the meat has gone bad, they should notify Fish and Game immediately, rather than dumping it illegally. It’s never acceptable to just discard it on the side of the road,” White said.
Encouragement to Report and Resources for Hunters
Idaho Fish and Game is urging anyone with information about this case to come forward. They can contact either Officer Kolby White in Montpelier or the Citizens Against Poaching hotline.
Those who provide valuable tips leading to an arrest may remain anonymous and are eligible for rewards.
This incident also serves as an important reminder for hunters to take extra precautions when hunting in warm weather. Proper meat care is essential in such conditions, as spoiled meat not only wastes valuable food but can also lead to legal penalties.
Fish and Game offers resources, such as meat-care brochures, to educate hunters on responsible handling of their harvests and ways to prevent waste.
Ongoing Investigation and Call for Information
The investigation is ongoing as Fish and Game continues to gather more information. The department hopes this serves as a reminder of the ethical and legal obligations every hunter must uphold when harvesting game.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Citizens Against Poaching hotline at 1-800-632-5999. Anonymity is assured, and rewards are possible for tips leading to a resolution of the case.
If you want to learn more about ethical hunting practices and responsible meat handling, visit our homepage for guides and insights.
