Bonners Ferry Local Guide including all of Boundary County Idaho

Wildlife group eyes voter initiative on elk ranches

Thursday, April 12, 2007; IDST

A voter initiative to ban elk-hunting ranches in Idaho is being considered. Kent Marlor, president of the Idaho Wildlife Federation, says the failure of the Legislature this year to regulate elk ranches has led to the discussion on the voter initiative within the Idaho Sportsmen's Caucus Advisory Council. The council is made up of some 30 organizations that mostly deal with hunting and fishing issues. Marlor says there is concern about domestic elk escaping from the ranches, the possible spread of disease, and fair-chase ethics. During the last Legislature, some elk ranchers blocked a plan endorsed by the Idaho Elk Breeders Association that would have licensed elk farms, saying it was a violation of their property rights. - Full Story