BOISE, ID — Idaho Fish and Game officials are considering a plan to reduce agricultural damage caused by a nonmigratory elk herd living year-round on private land in Unit 32, west of Emmett.

The proposal, presented to the Idaho Fish and Game Commission this week, would involve translocating and lethally removing about 100 elk during the spring and summer of 2026. Fish and Game officials say crop damage linked to the herd exceeded $1 million last year, while landowners were reimbursed for only about 35% of reported losses due to statutory payment caps and limited depredation funds.

According to the agency, the resident herd has grown to roughly 350 elk over the past five years despite expanded hunting opportunities and landowner cooperation. GPS collar data show the targeted elk remain on private property year-round, distinguishing them from larger migratory herds that winter in the area.

Under the plan, Fish and Game would attempt to relocate about 40 elk to units below population objectives. The remaining animals would be removed through a contract with USDA Wildlife Services, with meat processed and distributed to regional food banks. Similar projects elsewhere in Idaho have reduced crop damage and problem elk herds, officials said.