Rules for Thee but Not for Me!
BY Herschel Smith
1 hour, 42 minutes ago
The man who represents eastern Idaho’s sportsmen and women could lose his hunting privileges if convicted of recent wildlife violations. Idaho Fish and Game commissioner Brody Harshbarger, who represents the Upper Snake Region, is facing several charges for poaching elk in that region. Harshbarger was charged on March 6 with seven misdemeanors including three counts of unlawful take of game, hunting without a tag, hunting from a vehicle, shooting across a highway, and private trespass, according to court records obtained by the Idaho Statesman, which broke the story Friday.
On Dec. 20, a tipster phoned the state’s Citizens Against Poaching hotline about people shooting at elk near a boat ramp in Fremont County, which borders Yellowstone National Park. Conservation officers and a county sheriff’s deputy responded. They found a dead six-point bull on private property and a dead antlerless elk on nearby Bureau of Reclamation land. The case log states that Harshbarger, a local farmer, had already filled his elk tag the weekend before. The man with him had a valid tag, but neither hunter had permission to be on the private property where one elk was found.
Harshbarger’s four-year appointment on the commission ends June 30, 2027, but he has reportedly removed himself from commission obligations during the investigation. A letter reviewed by the Statesman said Harshbarger had opted to “voluntarily postpone” his duties.
Harshbarger did not attend the most recent commissioners’ quarterly meeting, which was held Tuesday and Wednesday in Boise. He has already pled not guilty to all charges. Harshbarger’s next court date is April 29. If convicted, the penalties could include jail time, fines, and loss of his hunting license for up to three years.
Hunting without a tag is a big deal, and I wouldn’t do it. Shooting across a highway is an even bigger deal and I wouldn’t do it.
As for the “permission” to be on that land, I’m not sure I see that as a problem if Idaho is a fair chase state. You have a right to chase, find and retrieve your game (at least around these parts).
They shouldn’t need that charge. They have enough to take his license.
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