Sting Against Hunters Nets 21 Citations

A sting operation that started in 1995 has produced 21 citations against five Pennsylvania hunters and an Idaho man.

The Fish and Game Department conducted the investigation along with the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board.

Acting on information from a conservation officer and a legitimate outfitter in the Red River area of the Clearwater Region, an undercover investigator was sent to a Pennsylvania sports show in 1995. He met an outfitter who allegedly was illegally signing up clients.

The 21 citations alleged outfitting and guiding without licenses, hunting without a proper license and tag, failing to properly tag an elk, failing to leave evidence of sex on a bull elk, transferring a license and tag to another and using the license and tax of another.

The main outfitter also was charged by the U.S. Forest Service with damaging a public resource.

Fish and Game said officers seized $8,100 from an outfitter.

Three hunters have pleaded guilty and paid a total of $2,050 in fines and costs. All three had their licenses revoked, for a total of seven years.

Three hunters have posted $3,000 bonds for later court appearances.

Fish and Game did not release the names of the hunters involved.