Two Idaho wolf killing cases solved

Two cases of illegal shooting of Idaho wolves have been solved, and the perpetrators have paid in out of court settlements. I think the settlements are light, but the argument you thought it was a coyote seems to have become a classic defense. Out of court settlements save the legal system the cost of a trial. The more outrageous case paid more -- the guy shooting a wolf across the paved highway through on-coming traffic.

Here is the report of the USFWS (in their words)

Wolf B203 was shot and killed in the Middle Fork [of the Salmon River] back in early June 2005. The case was initially investigated by IDFG region 7 officers and turned over to Service agents for follow-up. The shooter reported the incident to IDFG officers the day it occurred, and said he had thought the wolf was a coyote. He later admitted that he had been going to that guest ranch for many years, and knew that wolves were in the area. This subject, in an out-of-Court settlement, has agreed to accept a Federal Violation Notice, and has paid a fine of $1,000.

Banner Summit Wolf - Also in June, motorists reported seeing a man shoot a wolf on Highway 21, south of Banner Summit (between Lowman and Stanley). Their report was made to a USFS ranger station, and a USFS LEO and an IDFG officer located the carcass of a wolf near where this incident had been described. The case was referred to the Service for follow-up investigation. A press release was issued giving the description of the man and vehicle seen by the motorists who reported the incident. The shooter, an Idaho resident, was identified and Service agents met with him and his attorney. He admitted that he was an experienced hunter, and that he knew wolves were in the area. This subject, in an out-of-Court settlement, agreed to receive a Federal Violation Notice, and has paid a fine of $2,500.

Not solved yet is the poisoning of an Idaho lone wolf 204M near the mouth of Clear Creek at the edge of the Frank Church Wilderness.

Update 9-2-05. The USFWS was not able, or did not provide me with the names of those two people above who were fined, but I have obtained a copy of the citation on the Banner Summit Wolf from Rick Hobson. I want to thank Rick for doing digging required to come up with this.

The person fined was Terence P. Hunter of Boise, Idaho.

Update 9-23-05. The Idaho Mountain Express finally did a long article on Terence P. Hunter. Boise man fined for killing a wolf on Idaho 21. Tourist watched shooting unfold on Highway 21. By the Idaho Fish and Game and the Idaho Mountain Express Staff.