RIGGINS, ID — Idaho Fish and Game is asking for the public’s help after a bighorn sheep ram was found poached and left to waste above Big Salmon Road near Partridge Creek. The discovery was made by a sportsman on Nov. 24, according to a department press release.
Officials say the animal was shot sometime between Nov. 20 and Nov. 22, with no attempt made to retrieve it. No open season exists for bighorn sheep in this section of Unit 14, and the department noted this was not a case of misidentification — the ram had been shot in the head.
The incident has sparked frustration among residents and sportsmen who frequent the area. The Idaho Wild Sheep Foundation has pledged an additional $2,000 to the Citizens Against Poaching reward fund for information leading to an arrest.
“Wild sheep are important to Idaho — they are truly one of the ‘gems’ of the Gem State,” said Bill London, conservation committee chair for the foundation.
Anyone with information is urged to call the Citizens Against Poaching hotline at 800-632-5999 or contact the Idaho Fish and Game Clearwater Region office at 208-799-5010. Callers may remain anonymous.
