The plot thickens
Otter Gets Involved in Elk Quagmire
By Nathaniel Hoffman, 3-12-07
Otter halts IDFG deer kill on Jones’ elk ranch
Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter on Thursday questioned the Idaho Department of Fish and Game practice of euthanizing wild game that has come into contact with domestic elk, halting an operation on an elk ranch near Blackfoot.
“After reviewing the situation on Thursday the governor directed that all options short of lethal control be considered carefully before any animals are killed,” Otter spokesman Mark Warbis said. “His preference is to explore every other option that preserves the wildlife.”
On March 5, Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) conservation officers went to Rulon Jones’ Blackfoot Mountain Ranch. Jones had agreed to allow IDFG access to the property and to assist IDFG officers in shooting at least 15 deer, four moose and 11 elk that have likely resided behind his fence since the ranch opened for business last fall. When the officers arrived however, the ranch manager said they could pursue the deer but not the elk or moose, according to IDFG Southeast Region Director Mark Gamblin.
Shooters were not able to get within range of any of the deer Monday.
Story continues at www.wildidahonews.com…
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