The Idaho Department of Fish and Game euthanized a mountain goat after it was wounded by "would-be poachers."
A mature female mountain goat, known as a nanny, had at least three crossbow-related injuries and was "obviously suffering," according to IDFG. The nanny was euthanized by Fish and Game officers last week.
“It’s difficult to look at the photos of this mountain goat, think about the needless suffering the animal endured and not be angry,” Fish and Game regional supervisor Jon Rachael said in a statement. “Shooting this mountain goat with a series of crossbow target bolts is one of the most egregious, cruel acts against Idaho’s wildlife that I’ve witnessed in my career.”
Reports of the injured mountain goat came in from the Citizens Against Poaching (CAP) hotline and Facebook, which helped officers locate the nanny off Hells Canyon Road, according to IDFG. After observing the goat for several hours, officers determinded she was suffering and needed to be euthanized.
IDFG says a close examination of the animal showed she had several bolt wounds, including one in the middle of her forehead. The animal also had a bolt hung from the hide of the left shoulder area and one in the throat, possibly preventing her from feeding and drinking properly, according to IDFG.
Mountain goat hunting is limited to only a few tags statewide per year and harvest is limited to once in a lifetime. The season closed in early November, according to IDFG.
IDFG is asking anyone with information to contact the CAP hotline or the Fish and Game Nampa office at 208-465-8465 during the week or Idaho State Police at 208-846-7550 on weekends.
