Magic Valley Man Faces Felony Charge for Wasting Trophy Elk

KETCHUM, Idaho (AP) — A Twin Falls man has been charged with a felony after wildlife officers said he killed two bull elk and left the meat to waste.

The Idaho Mountain Express newspaper reports that Franklin Eckrote is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on a felony charge of wasting a trophy elk on April 18. Eckrote has already pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges of wasting a spike elk and exceeding the bag limit.

Idaho Fish and Game Conservation Officer Steven Roberts wrote in a court document that Eckrote told the officer last fall that he shot the elk and took only their heads, leaving the meat to waste. Officials use antler size to determine whether an elk is considered a trophy animal. The felony charge is punishable by up to five years in prison, a fine of $50,000 and a lifetime revocation of hunting privileges.