BOISE, ID – An Idaho Fish and Game commissioner who is responsible for establishing hunting regulations and overseeing the Idaho Department of Fish and Game is facing seven hunting-related criminal charges, Idaho court records indicate.
Idaho Fish and Game Commissioner Brody Harshbarger faces the following charges, according to court records:
- Two misdemeanor counts of hunting/attempting to take a big game animal unlawfully.
- Hunting without a valid tag, a misdemeanor.
- Shooting from across a public highway, a misdemeanor.
- Hunting with the aid of a motorized vehicle, a misdemeanor.
- Failing to make a reasonable effort to retrieve, a misdemeanor.
- And trespassing to hunt or fish, a misdemeanor.
Through his attorney, Harshbargher has pleaded not guilty and an upcoming pre-trial hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. April 29 at the Fremont County Courthouse in St. Anthony.
Court records indicate that for the first count of unlawfully taking a big game animal, Harshbarger allegedly shot a 6-point bull elk out of season and/or aided or abetted another in doing so on Dec. 20.
For the second count of unlawfully taking a big game animal, Harshbarger allegedly unlawfully shot an antlerless bull elk on Bureau of Reclamation property on Dec. 20 and/or aided and abetted another in doing so.
For the charge of hunting without a valid tag, Harshbarger allegedly shot or killed an elk on Bureau of Reclamation property after having already filled his tag for the season. Court records indicate Harshbarger did not have a valid elk tag any longer when he shot the animal.
Court records also allege that Harshbarger illegally shot an elk from the driver’s seat of a pickup truck and illegally shot at elk across Spring Hollow Road, and/or aided and abetted another person in doing so.
Court records also indicate that Harshbarger allegedly did not make a reasonable effort to retrieve the animal after killing a big game animal, or aided and abetted another person in doing so.
Finally, court records allege Harshbarger was trespassing to hunt or fish.
Court records indicate that an Idaho Department of Fish and Game law enforcement officer responded to a Citizens Against Poaching call regarding a group of individuals hunting near Spring Hollow Boat Ramp in Fremont County, Idaho, which led to the investigation that produced the charges against Harshbarger and another man, Eric Murphy.
If convicted, Harshbarger could face a revocation of his hunting license, fines, civil penalties or incarceration.
Harshbarger could not be reached for comment on Friday.
On Friday, an Idaho Department of Fish and Game spokesman declined to comment because it is an active case. The spokesman also said the commissioner is a gubernatorial appointee, not an employee of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.
According to a March 10 letter from Gov. Brad Little’s Chief of Staff Zach Hague that was obtained by the Idaho Capital Sun, Harshbarger has agreed to postpone the performance of his duties as a Fish and Game commissioner unit the criminal charges are resolved.
Reached briefly on Friday, Idaho Falls attorney Mark Fuller said he could not confirm or deny any client that he represents. Fuller said such matters are considered attorney-client privilege. Court records associated with the case list Fuller as Harshbarger’s lead attorney.
Idaho Capital Sun is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Idaho Capital Sun maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Christina Lords for questions: info@idahocapitalsun.com.
