Rathdrum Mountain, ID wolf killed by hiker

[mkcj]

http://www.cdapress.com/news/local_news/article_f933fd90-9b6d-11e4-9acb-4b8a48a3ee4e.html

[Bean Counter]

Nice shooting! 

[bobcat]

It's kind of hard to feel sorry for the guy. He broke the law, Fish and Game can't just pretend that it didn't happen, especially with all the wolf lovers that surely will be watching closely. If you're going to go and buy a wolf tag, AFTER having already killed a wolf, be smart about it and don't tell anybody! Sheesh!

[pianoman9701]

I believe he acted in defense of his animals and that he should've reported it to the IDFG immediately. Had he done so, they may even have let him keep the pelt. He made a stupid mistake for an experienced hunter. I don't think he'll pay very dearly for it. I hope not.

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

Wolf tags are $5 for residents.  Better to have one than to not. 

[pianoman9701]

Wolf tags are $5 for residents.  Better to have one than to not.

I know, right? I never go elk hunting without a cougar and bear tag in my pocket.

[birddogdad]

his statement of "harassment" by DFW is something I am frankly embarrassed over as a prior military member too... I don't care he shot a wolf protecting himself and pets (good on him). He should have known better than to skin and keep it... This is his OWN doing and he should pay a fine for THIS action NOT the protection of .....

DFW has to tread somewhat carefully here and not be too heavy handed or future encounters will become "found shot wolf" news stories... vs wolf attack/encounters with a very negative message sent out ....

[Knocker of rocks]

his statement of "harassment" by DFW is something I am frankly embarrassed over as a prior military member too... I don't care he shot a wolf protecting himself and pets (good on him). He should have known better than to skin and keep it... This is his OWN doing and he should pay a fine for THIS action NOT the protection of .....

DFW has to tread somewhat carefully here and not be too heavy handed or future encounters will become "found shot wolf" news stories... vs wolf attack/encounters with a very negative message sent out ....

This happened in Idaho

[idahohuntr]

Game laws can not be set aside because it's a wolf.  Idfg is handling it as they should by citing the guy.

[Curly]

I wish I hadn't read some of the comments on the article.  Wow.  Those wolf huggers are something else! 

[bigdave]

Hadn't been confirmed.... ............I saw one dead in the ditch next to the highway not 5 miles from where he shot it, that was December 10th.

[VarmintVentilator]

Shot a wolf without a tag and got a ticket.  Where's the harassment?     Pay the fine and move on.

[Bob33]

He should have reported it immediately.

[KFhunter]

I believe he acted in defense of his animals and that he should've reported it to the IDFG immediately. Had he done so, they may even have let him keep the pelt. He made a stupid mistake for an experienced hunter. I don't think he'll pay very dearly for it. I hope not.

Game laws can not be set aside because it's a wolf.  Idfg is handling it as they should by citing the guy.

exactly

[mkcj]

What law did he break, can't you defend yourself or pets from wolves in Idaho, or can you only do that if you have a tag?

[KFhunter]

What law did he break?

Failure to report that he shot a wolf.  You don't need a tag to defend yourself from any animal, but you must always report.

IDFG probably would have given him a tag if he'd have just called them.

[Woodchuck]

What law did he break, can't you defend yourself or pets from wolves in Idaho, or can you only do that if you have a tag?

He didn't report it and then purchased a tag after the fact because he wanted to keep the hide.
I would bet if he had made a phone call right away he would have been golden.

[boneaddict]

As stated, pay the 5 bucks, and dont be an idiot.   

[pianoman9701]

I think in most cases, gamies are pretty reasonable and not looking to catch someone doing something wrong. I understand there are those who disagree with me on that. If you make a mistake by trying to hide something like this and get caught, you're kind of tying their hands. Especially in ID, where the IDFG has no problem with people legally killing wolves, reporting the incident immediately and asking for guidance would probably have diffused the situation immediately. In addition, it speaks to your integrity. I will be the first to admit that I haven't been the model of integrity my whole life. I like to think I've learned how to change that over the years, sometimes by making very similar mistakes and suffering as a result. At this point, I'm quite sure that my very first reaction would be to try and call the IDFG - first thing. Would I have done that 25 or 30 years ago? I can't say. Maybe from this incident, the shooter will have gained new insight into how he might respond in the future.

[cougarbart]

Looks like minimum 200 dollar fine/ max fine 1000 dollars!

[jasnt]

I think in most cases, gamies are pretty reasonable and not looking to catch someone doing something wrong. I understand there are those who disagree with me on that. If you make a mistake by trying to hide something like this and get caught, you're kind of tying their hands. Especially in ID, where the IDFG has no problem with people legally killing wolves, reporting the incident immediately and asking for guidance would probably have diffused the situation immediately. In addition, it speaks to your integrity. I will be the first to admit that I haven't been the model of integrity my whole life. I like to think I've learned how to change that over the years, sometimes by making very similar mistakes and suffering as a result. At this point, I'm quite sure that my very first reaction would be to try and call the IDFG - first thing. Would I have done that 25 or 30 years ago? I can't say. Maybe from this incident, the shooter will have gained new insight into how he might respond in the future.

Couldn't agree more

[BOWHUNTER45]

Yeah this whole story sounds fishy ..not buying his cover up .Not that I care about him killing the wolf but you sure would think living where he lives he would have a wolf tag 

[mfswallace]

.22 hornet 

[Sitka_Blacktail]

This guy's story changes a little every time he tells it. I've read several versions. For example, in this version, he claims he didn't even realize it was a wolf until after he shot it. That pretty much takes away his "big bad wolf, I was protecting my dogs" version.  Also, he doesnt use the "my dogs were on one side of the road and the wolf was in the ditch on the other side" version. What he is doing is shopping stories around to see which one gets the most sympathy and he'll probably use that version on the judge. Who knows if he even had his dogs with him when he shot it? I see after he shot it he posed for a "glory shot" and someone else took the picture, from the shadow in front of him.  Honestly, I don't believe a word of his story as just like all poachers, he's trying to paint himself in the best light.

http://www.kxly.com/news/north-idaho-news/idaho-tickets-rathdrum-man-after-defensive-wolf-kill/30711924

[Sitka_Blacktail]

My guess is, there is something more to this story, like why did F&W show up the next day? I doubt they have time to show up at everyone's home that just bought a wolf tag in hopes that they'll find a poached wolf or any other animal for that matter. I haven't seen a version of the story where he called in to report taking a wolf, so someone else must have turned him in. F&W is holding back info is what I'd bet.

[Hoythunter]

This guy's story changes a little every time he tells it. I've read several versions. For example, in this version, he claims he didn't even realize it was a wolf until after he shot it. That pretty much takes away his "big bad wolf, I was protecting my dogs" version.  Also, he doesnt use the "my dogs were on one side of the road and the wolf was in the ditch on the other side" version. What he is doing is shopping stories around to see which one gets the most sympathy and he'll probably use that version on the judge. Who knows if he even had his dogs with him when he shot it? I see after he shot it he posed for a "glory shot" and someone else took the picture, from the shadow in front of him.  Honestly, I don't believe a word of his story as just like all poachers, he's trying to paint himself in the best light.


Or perhaps the author of the articles are spinning it a bit?  Happens more than a guy thinks.  Personally, I could care less what version as the end result is one dead wolf.  Guy earns a golden star in my book.


http://www.kxly.com/news/north-idaho-news/idaho-tickets-rathdrum-man-after-defensive-wolf-kill/30711924

[carpsniperg2]

I read the first article. I think the reason there is a picture of him with the wolf is. He said he shot it and then went to town and got a tag to claim it which is part of what was illegal. I bet when he went back to get it he had someone else with him and that's how he got the glory pic.

Just a thought.