COEUR D’ALENE, ID – A Coeur d’Alene man has been convicted of a felony for unlawfully killing a trophy-class bull elk during an archery-only season in North Idaho, according to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.

Joel Rose was found guilty following a two-day jury trial held June 26–27 in Kootenai County. The case began after a tip was submitted to the Citizens Against Poaching hotline, prompting an investigation by Fish and Game conservation officers.

The incident occurred on Sept. 10, 2024, when Rose used a rifle to shoot the elk near his residence in the Wolf Lodge area. The animal, known in the area for its unique antlers, was a recognizable and sought-after bull elk. Although the season was limited to archery equipment, the investigation found that Rose fired two fatal rifle shots before placing an arrow in the carcass to make it appear the kill had been made legally.

A search warrant executed the next day uncovered a 6.5mm Creedmoor rifle with a silencer at Rose’s home. Ballistic testing confirmed the bullet found in the elk matched the seized firearm. Officers also recovered elk antlers, meat, and archery equipment as evidence.

The Boone and Crockett scoring system placed the antlers at over 300 inches, classifying the elk as a trophy under Idaho law. The damage value of the kill was assessed at $5,000. In Idaho, unlawfully taking or possessing wildlife with a damage value exceeding $1,000 constitutes a felony.

Rose is scheduled for sentencing in August.

Fish and Game officials credited the public for its role in reporting the crime and encouraged anyone with information about wildlife violations to call the Citizens Against Poaching hotline at 1-800-632-5999 or report online. Rewards may be available for credible information leading to charges.