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North Idaho Poachers Taking Heavy Toll On Game

Elk
GoCyclones
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Flickr Creative Commons

State wildlife officials in northern Idaho say poachers are killing far more game animals than wolves.

Officials tell the Lewiston Tribune that last year in northern Idaho they confirmed poaching of 30 elk, four moose, 13 mule deer and 57 whitetail deer.

Officials say a realistic detection rate is 5 percent, meaning poachers are likely killing about 600 elk, 80 moose, 260 mule deer and 1,000 whitetail.

Idaho Fish and Game District Conservation Officer Barry Cummings says many people don't report wildlife crimes because they don't consider it a crime against them.

The fine in Idaho for illegally killing an elk is $750, while the fine for illegally killing a moose is $10,000

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