This editorial by Kristy Sternes, president of the Idaho Elk Breeders Association, appeared today in the Times News.

Elk farm restrictions were based on myths, fears

In response to the latest editorial regarding Idaho’s domestic elk industry, I would like to set the record straight. Referring as “failure” that the Legislature chose not to add more burdens on a legitimate, fledgling agricultural pursuit is an interesting spin.

The Legislature looks at the facts/truth related to a specific issue when making its decisions. Initiatives are not always handled in the same manner. When the opposition’s outright lies and misinformation fail to convince legislators, they are then used to deceive the general public by creating false fears and opinions. Knowledge is power, and when we do not educate the public accurately and honestly on an issue, uninformed and uneducated decisions are made that may negatively affect the livelihoods of fellow Idahoans.

Equally interesting is the opposition continues to refer to the eastern Idaho domestic elk escape as some sort of “natural disaster.” The majority of the hype surrounding that incident was created by the same groups that are now trying to destroy this industry. This misinformation resulted in more than 43 privately owned livestock being slaughtered by Idaho Department of Fish and Game officers. These animals were all found to be free of chronic wasting disease, tuberculosis and brucellosis; and contrary to what the opposition states, all animals were found to be pure elk, not red deer hybrids.–

The issue of ethics and fair chase is questioned in regard to elk hunting ranches, so one may ask, “what is fair chase?” There is no “correct” answer. The definition of fair chase is in the eye of the beholder. If one begins to question the ethics of this type of hunting, then using blinds, scents, camouflage, etc., in the pursuit of game could also come under fire. There is no law that says you have to use the above methods in hunting, and there are no laws that state that you have to hunt on a private hunting ranch either. If we begin to attack one type of hunting, then all hunting is at risk.–

The Idaho Sportsmen Caucus Advisory Council claims to represent thousands of Idaho sportsmen against elk ranching. In January, ISCAC joined efforts with animal rights groups protesting elk ranching at the Capitol. Despite their misinformation campaign, a mere 100 attended. The anti-wolf rally had at least 300 to 400 people attend. On the subject of wolves, many of the same people who are slandering the health-certified domestic elk industry were behind the re-introduction of Canadian (non-native) wolves to Idaho, such as David Langhorst. They want you to believe that wolves have had no significant impact on Idaho’s big game either. Once again, the misinformation campaign continues.

SB-1074 would have required the licensing of livestock. If we were to license one form of livestock, we would be opening the door to license all livestock in the state.

It is within our right in Idaho to raise privately owned domestic elk. A license turns ownership into a revocable privilege. Therefore, by domestic elk ranchers supporting such a vague bill, we would be compromising not only our private property rights and our right to the free enterprise system but the rights of all Idaho livestock owners.

In conclusion, SB-1074 failed because it was ultimately masterminded by the same people who initiated the livestock slaughter campaign in regard to the eastern Idaho escape. SB-1074 was very broad with too much gray area, adding unnecessary regulations to an industry already heavily regulated by both domestic elk and livestock statutes. We have proven time and time again that our domestic elk are not a threat to Idaho’s wild elk.

Tom Remington

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