Urgent Update: Euthanized Moose Found Near Clearwater with Calves

BREAKING: A wounded cow moose was euthanized by Idaho Fish and Game officers near Clearwater on October 14, 2023. The cow, unable to stand and suffering from a gunshot wound, had two yearling calves at her side, prompting urgent action by wildlife officials.

Local residents alerted authorities when they noticed the calves hesitating to leave a pasture near the South Fork of the Clearwater River. Conservation officers quickly located the injured moose, but efforts to get her to stand were unsuccessful. Officers reported that the moose had a shattered knee with bullet fragments lodged in her joint, leading to the difficult decision to euthanize her.

According to Jennifer Bruns, a spokesperson for Idaho Fish and Game, the moose’s meat was salvaged and donated to a local family. Fortunately, the two calves were no longer nursing, which significantly increases their chances of survival.

In a bid to gather information regarding the shooting, Idaho Fish and Game is offering a $700 reward for tips that lead to an arrest. Moose hunting is strictly regulated, with no open cow moose season currently in effect in Game Management Unit 15 where moose populations are low.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. The illegal shooting of the moose has raised significant concerns within the community, as it highlights the ongoing issues of wildlife poaching in the region.

This incident is part of a troubling trend, as Idaho Fish and Game is also investigating multiple cases of big game animals being shot and left to waste in the area. Conservation officers are actively seeking leads on these additional cases, including a bull elk found near Bovill and a whitetail buck near Grangeville.

The agency emphasizes that hunters are required by law to retain the edible portions of big game, and failing to do so can result in misdemeanor charges. As investigations continue, local wildlife authorities are committed to protecting Idaho’s natural resources and wildlife.

For those with tips, please contact the Clearwater Region Office at (208) 799-5010 or the Citizens Against Poaching Hotline at 1 (800) 632-5999. Callers may remain anonymous and could be eligible for financial rewards.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.