Three wildlife guides are in serious trouble for allegedly running an illegal hunting operation that led to the deaths of multiple mountain lions. Michael Kulow, Andrea May Major, and LaVoy Linton Eborn, all from Idaho, are facing potential prison time and hefty fines after being charged with violating federal wildlife trafficking laws. The guides are accused of unlawfully guiding hunting clients through illegal mountain lion hunts in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest in Idaho and the Bridger-Teton National Forest in Wyoming between December 2021 and February 2022.
The trio, who were employed by a licensed outfitter in Idaho, reportedly started booking and accepting payments from hunting clients independently towards the end of 2021. They guided these clients on illegal hunts that resulted in the deaths of at least 11 mountain lions in Idaho and one in Wyoming. Furthermore, they are alleged to have falsified parts of their big game mortality reports that they were required to submit to the Idaho fish and game department. Some of the poached mountain lions were even transported to Texas without proper documentation, violating both state and federal laws.
The Lacey Act, a federal law that prohibits the illegal trafficking of wildlife and plants, regulates the trade and movement of these items between states and internationally. Violations of the Lacey Act can result in serious consequences, as seen in the case of an 81-year-old Montana man who was recently sentenced to six months in federal prison for violating the act. This man was found guilty of creating hybrid sheep for captive trophy hunting using tissue and testicles from large sheep illegally hunted in Central Asia and the U.S.
Michael Kulow, Andrea May Major, and LaVoy Linton Eborn have all pleaded not guilty to the charges against them and are awaiting their jury trial scheduled for November 18 in federal court. The illegal hunting activities conducted by these guides have not only led to the unnecessary deaths of mountain lions but have also violated important wildlife protection laws that aim to preserve endangered species and maintain ecological balance in our natural habitats. It is crucial for individuals involved in hunting and guiding activities to adhere to all laws and regulations to ensure the conservation and protection of our wildlife for future generations to enjoy.
