In Kootenai County, Idaho, a poaching incident underscored the ongoing battle against wildlife crimes. On November 6, 2024, Raymond A. Black of Kellogg illegally killed a trophy-class bull moose on a U.S. Forest Service road near Wolf Lodge Saddle. Lacking a required moose tag—part of Idaho’s strict “once-in-a-lifetime” hunting regulations—Black attempted to load the carcass but abandoned it due to snowy conditions.
After seeking help from two hunters and offering an inconsistent story, he fled the scene.The hunters, suspicious of Black’s actions, recorded his license plate and reported the incident via the Citizens Against Poaching (CAP) hotline.
Idaho Fish and Game officers investigated, seizing Black’s rifle and other evidence during a search of his home. On July 8, 2025, Black pleaded guilty to felony charges of unlawful killing and wasting wildlife. Kootenai County District Court imposed a $1,500 fine, $10,000 in restitution, $250 in meat processing fees, $245.50 in court costs, six months in jail, three years of supervised probation, and a lifetime hunting ban across most U.S. states under the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact. Idaho Fish and Game commended the hunters’ vigilance and the Kootenai County Prosecutor’s Office for securing justice. The case highlights the critical role of community reporting in protecting wildlife, with the CAP hotline (1-800-632-5999) offering cash rewards for tips leading to charges. For updates, visit the Panhandle Region’s Facebook page.
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