COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho – Joel Patrick Rose, 62, was found guilty of the unlawful taking of wildlife after a two-day jury trial in June 2025.
The case involved Rose illegally shooting a trophy elk on his property near Wolf Lodge, Kootenai County, during the archery-only season in September 2024.
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game was alerted when taxidermy evidence revealed the elk was shot with a firearm.
A forensic analysis confirmed two bullet wounds and a postmortem arrow wound. A search of Rose’s home uncovered a 6.5 mm rifle matching the bullet found in the elk.
At sentencing on August 22, 2025, District Judge Casey Simmons imposed a five-year prison sentence, which was suspended, and placed Rose on three years of supervised probation.
Rose’s hunting privileges were revoked for life, and he was ordered to pay a $30,000 fine and $5,000 in restitution. He must also serve 30 days in jail as part of his probation.
