Fish & Game Investigating Five Illegal Kills In SE Idaho

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is seeking information regarding the illegal killing of two trumpeter swans and three mule deer in southeast Idaho during the final week of 2024.

The dead trumpeter swans were found floating in the Bear River near the Thatcher area.  And then, roughly five miles away, the three dead deer, two adult does and a doe fawn, were found shot and left to waste near Gentile Valley Road.  Fish and Game says it’s not known if the two cases are linked.

The minimum fine for the illegal killing of each swan is $200 with a civil penalty of $250 each.  Because the birds are a migratory species, there are federal penalties as well.  The deer were shot during closed season and left to waste.  In addition to waste charges, the civil penalties are $400 for the first deer, $800 for the second, and $1600 for the third deer.  There will be additional charges for wasting.

Fish and Game is asking anyone with information regarding these cases or any wildlife violation, to contact their Senior Conservation Officer Quinn Kropp at (208) 616-3955 or the Citizens Against Poaching hotline at (800) 632-5999.  Fish and Game reminds you that callers may remain anonymous and those with information leading to an arrest are eligible for rewards.

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