Idaho Elk Ranching Under Attack

Elk Ranching in Idaho is now under attack. In late August, it was reported that approximately 160 (exaggerated number reported) domesticated elk escaped from a private hunting preserve in Eastern Idaho. As a result, the Directors of the Idaho Dept of Fish & Game convinced Idaho Governor Jim Risch to order a depredation hunt to destroy all of the escaped animals. The excuses to support the authorization of this ordered depredation were the following; risk of disease spread from the domesticated elk to the wild elk population and domesticated elk ruining the genetic purity of the wild elk.

Early reports in the media from ID and WY F&G expressed that Idaho elk ranchers were raising Red Deer Hybrids. Being that our domestic elk are thoroughly tested for TB, Brucellosis and CWD (100% upon slaughter) and tested for genetic purity, it was/is nearly impossible for these domestic elk to spread disease to the non-health regulated wild herds, especially with Brucellosis and CWD prevalent in Wyoming herds.

In 2005, less than 1% of Idaho wild elk were tested for such diseases. As for genetic purity, most elk originated from the Yellowstone herds over 30 years ago, thus they are from very similar genetic lines as those elk in the wild. If anything, our animals have been bred to produce the finest in genetic stock, proven by the 500 class bulls harvested in 2005 on Idaho ranches.

So far, 12 of the 30+ escaped elk killed were tested for TB, Brucellosis and CWD and a myriad of parasites, etc. Official test results from these 12 animals reflect that all 12 were pure elk and not hybrids as previously reported, and are all negative for TB, Brucellosis and CWD.

It is our opinion that the IDF&G has used this recent situation in Eastern Idaho as a platform for their political agenda. It is our feeling since the F&G does not receive any revenue from our private elk hunting preserves that by initiating a ban on hunting preserves, they would be eliminating the competition. The whole issue with hunting preserves is revenue, and the inability to gain financially from these specific hunts, as these hunts are performed on private land and involve privately owned elk that are legally classified as "domesticated livestock" per our Idaho Dept of Agriculture and the USDA.

IDF&G along with the help of the news media are exploiting this situation further by continuing to spread fear tactics and lies in order to sway the legislators into supporting a ban on domestic elk ranching in Idaho. We cannot let this happen and it must be fought at any cost because everyones right to free enterprise is at risk here.

The Idaho elk breeders have launched a website titled www.thetruthaboutelk.org along with bumper stickers, literature, etc, in order to spread the truth about what is really going on. Idaho has always been a fairly conservative state; however most reporting in the media is of a very opposing nature which makes it a real challenge to get our message across.

Having taken advantage of every opportunity to spread the word, TV interviews, radio interviews, and letters to the editor in our local papers, there seems to be much local support in rural areas, but we still need help to preserve the right to raise privately owned elk on privately owned property. We believe that educating the urban dweller will be the key.

This is not just an issue about elk ranching but a nationwide attack on everyones private property rights and the right to free enterprise. We welcome all help offered whether it be cash or in kind. We will need lobbyists and more legal representation before our goal is accomplished.