The Associated Press continues to spin the story of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game’s attempt to kill the remaining elk and deer behind the fences of Rulon Jones’ game preserve in eastern Idaho.
It is totally ironic that the IDFG, one of those opposed to elk ranching and in particular the so-called, shooter-bull operations, can’t find any of these animals. They argue that “canned hunts” are unethical because there is no “fair chase”. It’s been described as like shooting fish in a barrel but IDFG officials continue to make trips to the Broadmouth Canyon Ranch and still can’t find any of these animals.
The continued spin comes from repeated AP reports that are inaccurate and inflammatory.
But some remained behind, and state law requires that they be slaughtered now that they might have mingled with domestic elk and contracted disease.
I have yet to find any “law” that requires that the state has to “slaughter” these remaining animals. What angers me as much as anything is that this sentence directly states that these animals have contracted diseases. This is so far from the truth and it is sickening that the AP and other sources continue to report these absurdities. All animals brought into Jones’ ranch are tested completely for disease and genetics. Jones’ relays that information as well.
Jones said there was no chance any of the wild animals could have gotten sick from contact with his herd because the domestic animals have been tested.
“There’s no threat,” Jones said. “It’s just a way to make us look bad.”
Never in any of these reports does anyone ask the ranch owner what threat the wild animals might have on his industry.
The IDFG says that it is illegal for anyone to keep wild animals behind fences. If true, it is understandable what the intent of that law would be but to spend taxpayer money in order to incite anger and influence public opinion against elk ranching is irresponsible. Fish and Game officials are using this opportunity to promote their agenda.
It would seem that a logical solution would be to work with the ranch owner to assess whether or not these wild animals pose any threat to his ranch animals. If not, then leave the animals alone and stop wasting taxpayers money. The intent of the law to prohibit the fencing in of wild animals is to ensure that someone doesn’t use public owned wildlife for personal gain. Obviously, this is not the intent of Rulon Jones and his game ranching business.
This entire event, along with the inflammatory statements being made by officials, is nothing but a political ploy. It is exactly as Jones said, “It’s just a way to make us look bad.”
*Previous Posts*
Associated Press Spinning Rammell Story
Shooting Domestic Elk Inside Fences. It’s A Snap! Isn’t It?
Tom Remington
