Your Unleashed Dog Could Land You in Jail on Your Next Idaho Hike

Winter in Idaho can be one of the best times of year to get out and enjoy all the beauty the Gem State has to offer. And there’s nothing more fun than taking your pups along on your outing to let them enjoy running in the wild. But if your dog likes to tap into their primal urges and chase the local wildlife while running off-leash, it could get you into trouble, costing you money and even landing you in jail.

The Idaho Bureau of Land Management and Blaine County just released a reminder about the negative impact we can have on deer and elk during the winter months. 

Winter is a tough time for wildlife 

Winter is a critical period for deer and elk as their energy reserves are limited. With reduced access to food, even the mere presence of humans and domestic dogs can cause stress. While you’re out enjoying nature, the BLM encourages you to consider your impact on wildlife.

Codie Martin, BLM Shoshone Field Manager, stresses the importance of adaptability in wildlife management: “The early part of winter has been mild, and deer and elk are moving to their winter ranges. However, this can change rapidly with one snowstorm. Depending on how the winter progresses, we might have to implement specific restrictions, like no-dog zones or, in extreme cases, areas closed to human entry, to protect the wintering wildlife.”

Here’s why your dog can be a real problem

If you have a dog that tends to chase wildlife, including deer and elk, your animal can reduce wildlife’s chance of survival during the winter months. To the deer or elk, your animal looks like a predatory coyote or wolf, and even the mere presence of your dog will increase their stress levels and cause them to expend valuable energy.

Bradley Dawson, Technical Assistance Manager at the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, highlights the cumulative effect of disturbances: “Repeated disruptions can seriously jeopardize an animal’s survival. Each disturbance, whether it's once or several times a day throughout winter, forces these animals to expend energy they can't afford to lose.”

Here’s how your dog could land you in jail

If your dog isn’t leashed or under strict verbal control, you could end up facing fines and even jail time. According to the BLM: It is illegal for dogs to actively chase wildlife and owners can be cited according to Idaho Code with a misdemeanor up to $1,000 fine and six months in jail. 

By all means, enjoy the outdoors but keep your dog under control. 

If you have a dog that doesn’t strictly obey verbal commands, consider leaving them at home, or letting them enjoy their outdoor time with you on a leash.