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More than 200 elk were killed by sharpshooters from Idaho Fish and Game. It happened over a period of several months. A big night might result in half a dozen elk being taken down. This wasn’t a daytime hunt. The elk had started foraging on private land north of Shoshone. The animals had been chased away during daylight hours. The herd then adjusted and started feeding at night.

Because hunting in darkness is prohibited in Idaho, Fish and Game began the removal with its own staff. The removal of the elk stopped some serious depredation. The meat was donated and fed the poor.

All of this angered some hunters who believed they should’ve had an opportunity to bag the game. Some are calling state legislators and protesting and, yet. A nighttime hunting ban, established for safety reasons by the legislature, would’ve blocked allowing the public to take the animals.

Idaho Fish and Game spokesman Terry Thompson reminds us his agency has a mandate to manage game. The more than 200 animals are a fraction of the elk roaming the state. The kill also allowed Fish and Game to apply some scientific studies, which could improve future management. Including the enhancement of the hunting experience for the public.

Thompson was a guest on Newsradio 1310, KLIX. He explained how the operation worked and fielded questions from the audience. It may have set aside some of the anger directed at Fish and Game. If you would like to listen to his explanation you can click on the YouTube video below: