Idaho's most impressive mule deer from 2015 poached

[Deleted member 28227]

Saw this on gohunt but the article was super vague and I was wondering if anyone had more insight on the situation.

After reading the article it sounds like they got busted for party hunting... which I don't understand how you could get caught doing unless there was a warden or third party present. Also it says they got a search warrant, what evidence could they possibly have found.

https://www.gohunt.com/read/news/on...essive-mule-deer-from-2015-poached#gs.0Co7NWI

This article left me with so many more questions than answers.

 

[Idahoarcheryhunter]

When the incident originally happened it was my understanding the father had the tag, shot and wounded the buck and his son finished him off. They seized the buck with the search warrant. Kind of hazy still as it doesn't seem like all the details will ever be clear of what happened

 

[noharleyyet]

Two people can keep a secret if one is dead....

 

[406LIFE]

Saw this on gohunt but the article was super vague and I was wondering if anyone had more insight on the situation.

After reading the article it sounds like they got busted for party hunting... which I don't understand how you could get caught doing unless there was a warden or third party present. Also it says they got a search warrant, what evidence could they possibly have found.

https://www.gohunt.com/read/news/on...essive-mule-deer-from-2015-poached#gs.0Co7NWI

This article left me with so many more questions than answers.

Not party hunting, per se. Pretty clear that the son took a shot at an animal that he did not have a tag for. In my mind, that's pretty black and white.

 

[Deleted member 28227]

It just seems like the only way the truth would come out is if the father and son ratted each other out? Also while what they did is 100% illegal, I bet it happens a lot and this just seems like a pretty minor infraction to go to lengths to pursue... especially for a $202 fine, I'm surprised this guy didn't get fined more if it's a BC sized deer (which would make more sense why it was pursued). I thought all the western states had huge fines for poaching trophy animals.

Given this case would seem like parents need to make sure their kids are doing any coup de grace shots on animals.

 

[Dinkshooter]

I'm not saying it's right.............but if a Dad and son can't keep a story/secret straight WTF?

There had to be a witness or something.

 

[sneakem]

Not party hunting, per se. Pretty clear that the son took a shot at an animal that he did not have a tag for.

Pretty sure that's still considered party hunting when you fill another persons tag, regardless of whether you have a tag or not. Either way its still just as illegal.

You'd have to think that there was a 3rd party involved, either that or this is one of those Darwin award moments...

 

[Dinkshooter]

Looking at his instagram account, the flow of pictures looks like they both had tags but then the kid shot a nice buck and then they were only hunting for the pops .

 

[utah400elk]

I bet there was another witness. From the article, it sounded like dad never hit it and son shot it before it got away.

 

[idelkslayer]

There doesn't need to be third party in all of this. Either the father or the son told the truth to a friend who then told it to someone else and eventually it was told to the Fish and Game department.

 

[Deleted member 28227]

I bet there was another witness. From the article, it sounded like dad never hit it and son shot it before it got away.

This would make way more sense...

 

[zachthebowhunter]

It just seems like the only way the truth would come out is if the father and son ratted each other out? Also while what they did is 100% illegal, I bet it happens a lot and this just seems like a pretty minor infraction to go to lengths to pursue... especially for a $202 fine, I'm surprised this guy didn't get fined more if it's a BC sized deer (which would make more sense why it was pursued). I thought all the western states had huge fines for poaching trophy animals.

Given this case would seem like parents need to make sure their kids are doing any coup de grace shots on animals.

Son got a $2202 fine. Still not as high as I would think for a "trophy" class animal.

 

[Elkmagnet]

Having that buck seized would be a heavy shot to the groin.

 

[LopeHunter]

Two people can keep a secret if one is dead....

Also, a good friend helps you move while a great friend helps you move a body.

 

[LandDiver]

They confessed to it from what I read on IDFG. Now I'm wondering about those 28 pronghorn in a separate case but same state.

 

[BucksnDucks]

From the article " inside information said Gary kept missing the deer and his son then shot it." My question is did the son grab Dad's rifle to make the shot or was he carry his own rifle without a tag, you know "coyote hunting". Appears to be more premediated than a finishing shot to me, but just speculation.
Also, for anyone who didn't read article, this is not some teenage kid both are grown men.
Not exactly an indicator of guilt but the two seemed very happy and eager to enjoy the attention and internet fame brought by this monster buck.

 

[Little Big Man MT Chris]

my guess is someone who didnt like son , herd the story 2nd hand and called it in to get him in trouble

 

[shootbrownelk]

my guess is someone who didnt like son , herd the story 2nd hand and called it in to get him in trouble

And congrats to the guy who didn't like the old man or his son and turned them in. Otherwise they would be basking in all the fame & glory that the poached trophy would have brought them.